| Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up for another always-too-brief session of Joe Strauss Live!!! We're coming at you Live!!! from Roger Dean Stadium where the Cardinals are getting ready to duel the D.C. Nationales in the first of a day-night doubleheader. I may have to cut short today's chat before it's scheduled 2 p.m. conclusion but I'm sure loyal ChatHeads will recognize the ChatMeister's commitment to starting things an hour earlier than listed. So without further delay, let's get it on!!! |
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Scott: Hey Joe,
There has been a lot of talk about 2008 being a transition year for the Cards, and that there would be more aggressive spending and re-loading after this season in preparation for 2009 because of increased payroll flexibility. If that is true, what will create the flexibility, how much payroll will be freed up, and exactly what do the Cardinals plan to spend this newly created money on? |
| Joe Strauss: Depdending on whose options are declined or rejected, the club could realize about $38 million in flexibility after this season. Jason Isringhausen ($8 million) is due for free agency and the club holds an option on Mark Mulder ($6.5M). Juan Encarnacion ($6.5M), Braden Looper ($5.5M), Scott Spiezio (2.5M) and Russ Springer ($3.5M) are among those scheduled to come off the books. Matt Clement is guaranteed a $1.5M base but has achievable incentives worth another $7M. Troy Glaus' salary decreased by $1.5M next season while Chris Carpenter, Joel Pineiro and Yadier Molina enjoy salary escalators. As for how they'll spend it, here's hoping the club will expand its search to beyond pitchers with questionable injury histories and position players who can be had on one-year contracts. I make no guarantees. |
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Dave: Hey Joe,
So why does the club need to pay Spezio? Surely they have conduct clauses in their contracts. The reason the union is so strong is that the clubs are scared to fight for what is right. It just frosts me that these weaklings who lie and can't conduct themselves responsibly still make out like bandits. Spezio ought to man up and walk away from his contract .... but I know that puts me in fantasy land. |
Joe Strauss: Spiezio has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, only charged. If the Cardinals had attempted to suspend him they would have faced a lengthy and potentially nasty challenge from the Players Association. Would the club have banished Spiezio from camp? A decision was made that the potential distraction was not worth $2.4 million. A better question might be: Why would the club guarantee Spiezio, a utility player, two years? Remember, the Seattle Mariners released Spiezio from a multi-year deal before he signed as a non-roster player with the Redbirds. Another question might be why the club believed a month's outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol abuse was sufficient to bring him back last September. What happened in California last December reflected a series of miscalculations by the club, in the ChatMeister's opinion.
a two-year contract |
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Catman: Chatmeister,
I'm dreaming of a top notch starting five for the Cardinals, but I always end up waking up in a cold sweat! No Carp, and big gambles on Clement and Mulder. I'd like to think that some of the youngsters like Wellemeyer and Reyes could be very productive from the start. Do you think that Reyes and Wellemeyer could have breakout years?
I love the Juan Gonzalez pick up. Isn't he a sure bet to make the move north on the 25 man roster? Which OF's do you think will start the season in Memphis?
Why not give the kid Brandon Ryan the starting job at SS? The errors he had last year were primarily at 3rd and 2nd. He looked pretty darn good when he played SS. He's also the best offensive threat we have at SS.
Thanks Joe.. keep up the goooooood work! |
Joe Strauss: Lots of questions here. The ChatMeister will address a few. Wellemeyer turns 30 in August. He's no youngster. The starting rotation is in transition as the club waits on Mulder and Carpenter, who are due more than $17 million this season. Reyes recent comments about his better self-image as a pitch do not exactly square with the organization's perception that he badly needs to develop a put-away pitch. Clement is vital for the innings he represents. If he goes south, it's Groundhog Day for the rotation. A shortage of innings will again stress the bullpen. As for the sweats, try Benadryl.
I may touch on some of your other interrogatives later. |
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Catman: Joe,
Is Kyle McClellan a real threat to get some innings as a starter in St. Louis before the Sept 1 callup?? |
| Joe Strauss: That depends on how he performs at Memphis and the stability of the Cardinals' rotation. I would give him a shot. McClellan has been impressive so far this spring, though I may differ from some camp followers who have him ticketed for Cooperstown. Let's see how he handles the rotation after spending last season in relief. He's got decent mechanics, a good assortment of pitches and appears to have an idea. He's 23. And, of course, HE's LOCAL. There are things to like. But he's never made a start above Class A. Let's not hyperventilate yet. |
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| Dave: Mo and LaRussa say they will emphasize defense more this year, especially with the team emphasis on pitchers with a good ground ball ratio. Isn't it time for LaRussa to admit that Miles is inadequate as a fielder at shortstop and use him only for pinch-hitting and as a backup at second base? |
| Joe Strauss: I'm not singling out Miles for inadequate defense. I think the issue extends far beyond him and will again represent a challenge to the pitching staff. This team bears little resemblance defensively to the 2005 or even the 2006 club. |
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| bing devine: Any truth to the Kyle Lohse signing rumor being discussed in Cards Talk? |
| Joe Strauss: No. No. No. |
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Ricky: Hey Joe,
I sent this same question last week to you but you did not get to answer it. My question again is:
Why in the h___ does't the front office go out a spend money on a young and durable arm like a Joe Blanton. Go ahead and sign him for 3 years and 15 million or so, instead of investing 3-9 million (including incentives)per year on "reconstructed arms"? Blanton has not missed a start in his 3 years in the majors!!
Love you column Joe.
Thanks |
| Joe Strauss: Until you fill in the blanks of the question I am not able to process it. I can only infer you were self-editing an profanity. Sir, this is a family chat board. |
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Bill from Iowa: I was all excited about Anthony Reyes possibly making a meaningful contribution to the team this year, until today....when I see he got rocked by the lowly Orioles. His first start was great, though--and he'd been receiving rave reviews from players and coaches. I know it's only 6 innings...but what do you see from Reyes this year? Good Reyes, or Bad Reyes?
Thanks--really enjoy your insights. |
| Joe Strauss: The inability to give you a firm answer goes to the core of the team's frustration with Young Anthony. He was good enough to 1-hit the Chicago White Sox in 2006 and lost enough to lose 14 of 16 decisions last season. I see a pitcher committed (and able) to throw more strikes. But I agree with those who say they need to see him develop a consistent out pitch that allows him to consistently pitch more than 5 innings into a start. Reyes believes his curveball could be that pitch. (Reyes, for example, used 67 pitches to cover six innings in his first win last season. He needs to duplicate that efficiency.) "Good" Reyes would make a huge difference. Note: Reyes gave up all his runs in one inning of 11 of 20 starts last season. That's staggering. |
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drelboc: Hi Joe;
Thank you for your kind words of gratitude you extended to me last week. It is a pleasure to take part in a chat with the Chatmeister master.
From what I am hearing, Mr. Brendan "Boog" Ryan is having a good camp. Is he the best candidate to unseed Adam Kennedy since it seems that Adams roots are not very far in the ground? If so, would he be the likely lead off man barring Mr. Rasmus does not make the opening day roster?
Thank you Joe.
Sincerely, Dave |
| Joe Strauss: A suggest, Dave. "Chatmeister master" is redundant. Better options might be "omniscient ChatMeister" or simply "the most entertaining and informative presence on the Internet." As for your question, Ryan's chances improve significantly given Spiezio's ouster. Ryan is most comfortable at shortstop but his future could be at second base. As stated before on JSL!!!, I believe the leadoff role will be shared by many players this season depending on match-ups. Skip Schumaker strikes me as an intriguing possibility when in the lineup. |
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Tom: Hey Chatmeister,
Which of these would you put money on:
1. Colby Rasmus making the team as the starting CF/leadoff hitter?
2. Chris Duncan/Juan Gonzalez platoon in LF?
3. Kyle Lohse being signed to a one year deal?
4. Adam Wainwright making the All-Star team?
5. Mark Mulder winning comeback player of the year?
6. Albert Pujols being correct in calling this team the most powerful offense since he's worn the Birds on the Bat?
Thanks,
tom |
| Joe Strauss: Gambling, sir, is illegal and the ChatMeister would never recommend such activity to the impressionable youth who flock to these chats. (I would, however, recommend a futures bet on North Carolina in the NCAA Tourney.) In order of likelihood, I would say No. 4 and No. 6 (Albert was referring to home runs). There is no comeback player award anymore. I'll have to see Gonzalez play at least one inning in the OF to project him as part of a platoon. Rasmus is ticketed to Memphis barring injury to another outfielder. The Cardinals insist they are not interested in Lohse. |
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| Mike: Think Rasmus can claim the centerfield job. He seems to be the only one hitting well out of the leadoff spot and he's drawing walks and hit a homer yesterday. |
| Joe Strauss: The manager this morning underscored the need for Rasmus to play every day. That is not likely in St. Louis at this time. A spring training single and home run do not create a tectonic shift in TLR's thinking. |
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| scott d.of La.: To the honorable king of sports chat, Why does Juan Gone only DH? I would think he would have to be capable of playing the OF or 1B--Larussa has never had a PH only that I remember on the team. |
| Joe Strauss: Gonzalez has a long history of back and leg problems. He is 38 and been out of the major leagues for almost three seasons. To date, he has not exactly shown explosiveness out of the box. Your question goes to the core of his value to a NL team. Gonzalez must be mobile to contribute here. (Remember Ray Lankford?) It's hard to buy into his availability until Gonzales shows himself in the outfield. |
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| jww134@charter.net: Joe, Matt Clement had his surgery in Aug, '06, 18 months before Spring Training '08 started. Why did he not get his surgery rehab procedure done way before S.T. even started, instead of being laid up for extra time now? Jim W. |
| Joe Strauss: His issues are not considered structural. He instead needs to build up enough strength to avoid stressing the area. The Cardinals have been accused of rushing pitchers back from surgery (Mulder). They are exercising caution in this case, possibly making Clement unavailable for early April but hopefully enhancing his effectiveness after the All-Star break. Clement, by the way, did not sign with the club until Jan. 7. |
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| B Moore: I'm beginning to jump into the Juan Gonzalez fan club, but before I do I'm wondering if this is just a publicity stunt or does he have a legitimate shot at winning a spot? When I read what other players say they think he'll be on the team but I've heard little from who matters. What are your thoughts? |
| Joe Strauss: Juan is A Bat. He needs to show he can hit as camp progresses. He must also prove that his legs can carry him. Those are not inconsequential questions. |
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| roger from lake tahoe: joe - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! did you wish for another starter and if so, who? |
| Joe Strauss: I wished for 60 credible starts from Clement, Mulder and Carpenter. The ChatMeister deserves more for my birthday than what remains on the free agent pile. The one-year, $1 million signing of Josh Fogg would have seemed a decent fit here. The guy could provide innings. But there I go again, playing GM. |
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Superseve: Hi mugnificent chatmeister, my greetings from Italy for a enjoyable and funny JSL!!!
Which is your comment on the late pre-arby players requests to have bigger contracts? I understand revenue sharing, but after taking signing bonuses and projected for very rich arby/post-arby contracts, it seems to me that some players are getting greedy...
Keep up the marvelous work, enjoy the sunny spring in Florida and, as always, GO CARDS!!!! |
| Joe Strauss: The team has leverage over players for three years of major league service. The players hold the hammer the rest of their career. Fair to say, a $50,000 hit taken by Adam Wainwright this spring will be considered dog track money when he hits arbitration and the free agent market. Thanks for making JSL!!! an international phenomenon. |
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Don Muenz, Columbus, Ohio: Hi, Joe.
In years past, the Cards' regular season seemed to follow how they did in spring training.
This year's spring training has not been good, especially with Reyes' outing yesterday.
What are your thoughts on the chances of getting to .500 this year?
Thank you. |
| Joe Strauss: Don't forget, the Redbirds were 16-10 last spring, giving them a better record than in either World Series year. It's dangerous to project spring training records onto the regular season. But given the concerns about this bunch, we may be willing to make an exception. As for Reyes, it's just as absurd to grab the pitchforks and torches after Tuesday's outing as it was to start an All-Star campaign after last Thursday's three scoreless. Perspective isn't necessarily a bad thing. |
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| Paul Fegan: With the unusual number of free agents still unsigned, and so many of baseballs young stars having their contracts renewed (as opposed to negotiated) do you think this smacks of collusion on the part of the owners? |
| Joe Strauss: If you've thought it, you can be sure some in the union beat you to it. At some point I believe the accusation may be made about the lack of interest in Bonds. |
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| David: I know it's been obvious for a while, but I still don't understand why Ankiel is projected for the starting center field spot when his experience in the majors is mostly right, while Schumaker and Ludwick have played more center/have preference to play center. Is there a reason why La Russa likes Ankiel there? |
| Joe Strauss: Jim Edmonds was this team's predominant CF until this season. Anyone else appeared at the position solely on a spot basis. Ankiel is considered the better OF. Ankiel did take some weird routes in RF last season. But for many it is easier to get jumps in CF than on the corners. Rasmus will eventually play CF here, moving Ankiel to right. |
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| Ryan: Is there any chance that Ludwick won't make the 25-man out of Spring Training? He seems to be the most frustrated player at the plate, and has struck out quite a few times thus far. I know it's early and the RH power bat is something the Cards need - but I was curious about your thoughts on whether his spot is guaranteed or if someone (Barton, Rasmus, JuanGone, Skip) could push Ludwick out of the OF mix? |
| Joe Strauss: Ludwick has tinkered with his swing and is admittedly off to a sluggish start. I'd be very surprised if his roster spot became a question. Ludwick, Ankiel, Schumaker and Duncan are in the JSL!!! Opening Day outfield right now. Gonzalez likely holds an edge for a fifth spot as we speak. Rasmus is ticketed for Memphis. Barton needs to show more to reverse a poor first impression. |
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Dave Mustain: Sir Joseph, I can only hope you, may once again, impart your timeless wisdom to us mere mortals.
Provided that Brian Barton's knee is sound, and is able to make an impression during spring training, how viable would it be to keep Juan Gonzales? Yeah, the idea of Juan in the line up may sound very sexy to some. But in the long run would it not make more sense to hang on to a guy who could be an important part of the future of this ball club? |
| Joe Strauss: To be blunt, Barton has looked raw so far. He has speed but has also appeared uneven defensively. Mike Shannon had some rather sharp comments about Barton's outfield play Tuesday. Barton has limited exposure above AA. The Cardinals may ask themselves whether it is worth trading a player to Cleveland in order to keep Barton and move him to Memphis. |
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| Tacleberry: With Clement's lingering issues, Piniero's recent stiffness, and Reyes' outing yesterday, how optimistic can one be about what the Cardinals have assembled here in the way of a pitching staff? I hate to use the word MUST but a move for another arm (preferrably not a re-tread or bullpen conversion project) must be in the works, right? I would imagine that if something isn't done, that Cards fans will see a lot of boxscores like yesterday's in 2008. |
Joe Strauss: Complete the following sentence: The Cardinals Must acquire another starting pitcher in order to...
If you believe Clement and Mulder will pitch, what do you realistically think another guy (even a Lohse) will do for this team. Wainwright, Looper and Pineiro are fit and under contract. Reyes, Wellemeyer and Thompson are decent options for what eventually becomes a No. 6 starter. I'm not on board the "Just Sign Anyone" bandwagon. Fogg fit because of money, term and ability to consume innings. He could also be easily moved later in the season if Mulder, Clement and Carpenter return to form. |
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| Jeff: Joe, there's a lot of talk again this spring about Anthony Reyes and his his hoped turn around. Has he found another pitch, refined on old pitch, developed a "put away" pitch, done anything to expand his arsenal? A marginal fastball with a little movement and a change up just won't make him a consistent quality pitcher IMO. |
| Joe Strauss: Reyes says he has improved his command and gained greater confidence in his mechanics. There are those within the organization who share your overall assessment. It's up to Anthony to change it, or else he becomes a trade possibility. |
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Snake: Joe-
When are the Cardinals going to construct a major league rotation? |
| Joe Strauss: There is no place for sarcasm in this chat, sir. Consider yourself warned, Mr. Snake. |
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Jerry P. / Quincy, IL: Joe,
Two pics on the web / one at the Card's site today shows the "can ring" in Colby's uniform back pocket as he swings in the cage, and another on the Post's site showing Colby climb the dugout steps with a chaw in his lower lip. Hasn't someone told him to hide it if he is determined to use it, or to stop using it all together? |
| Joe Strauss: Rasmus is an adult, according to team records. He is able to purchase said tobacco products with his own money. I'm not sure I understand the issue. MLB has not banned tobacco and possession has not yet been classified as either a felony or misdemeanor. |
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| Clovis Ledbetter: Can you please give me a surprise longshot (or two?)to make the Cardinals 25 roster out of spring training? |
| Joe Strauss: I thought Josh Phelps had a shot, but he has received little exposure to date. Gonzalez has more of a chance than I initially believed. Should Gonzalez crash, Joe Mather may get a longer look. Mather has received more exposure than Phelps. D'Angelo Jimenez has not received significant exposure, either. It's still early. But you asked. |
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Billy Woods: Joe, are the Cardinals convinced that Bryan Anderson will start the season at Springfield? We all kept reading all winter that he would start at Memphis and then all of a sudden we see a passing mention in a story that he would be sent to Springfield.
What prompted the Cardinals, if that's the case, to change their mind concerning Anderson? |
| Joe Strauss: Matt Pagnozzi and Mark Johnson are projected to catch at Memphis. Johnson has more than four years' major league service, most with the Chicago White Sox. Pagnozzi spent most of his season at Memphis last year. Anderson is 21 and may be headed to a position switch. |
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A.J.: Joe,
Is there a chance that Pujols' elbow will never need surgery and will heal by itself or is it just a matter of time? If it is just a matter of time tell me that I am wrong in hoping that he has a setback this season and get the surgery out of the way so that he will be ready to go next season when the grass is a little greener. Thanks. |
| Joe Strauss: Pujols' condition is degenerative. Surgery is believed all but inevitable. It has been suggested that he could undergo a procedure this season if 1. The elbow again revolts, and 2. The Cardinals do not contend. Albert has said repeatedly he would not again endure what he went through last season with the elbow. |
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| Clovis Ledbetter: I thought your recent article regarding Anthony Reyes was fairly charitable given his poor start yesterday. Apparently your hard-boiled, ornery and irascible image is only a thin verneer. Assuming a trade is not worked out and he continues to struggle, what is his fate? |
Joe Strauss: It's spring training, Clovis. I presented Reyes' thoughts. Just another writer with an agenda, I guess. My thoughts on Reyes are already posted.
Let's clear up one thing: The ChatMeister remains hard-boiled ornery and irascible. |
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John Sepela: Joe
My friend is an Orioles fan and I want to bet him one adult beverage for the difference in total wins for the Cardinals vs the total of the O's wins at the end of the year. In seasons past this was a no-brainer. What is your opinion for this year?
Thanks
John |
| Joe Strauss: The Orioles are odds-on to lose 100. I don't have the Cardinals walking in that neighborhood. |
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Dan M: Joe,
Please tell me that McClellan has NO chance of making the club, and that he will be put in AAA to develop. |
| Joe Strauss: Consider yourself told. |
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| El Duderino, if you're not into the whole brevity thing: What's the best Cards blog out there? |
| Joe Strauss: Derrick Goold recommends El Vivo Birdos. Matthew League recommends "Obviously, you're not a golfer" at MLB.com. I personally don't read blogs. Goold is being falsely modest. He'd be enraged if I didn't pimp for BirdCage, er, BirdLand. Sorry, fans, there are no plans for a Joe Strauss Blog!!! We will reconsider for more Benjamins, however. |
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| Wallace Miller: Are the Cardinals still considering making a trade for the Pirates Matt Morris, Jason Bay, and Jack? |
| Joe Strauss: Not my understanding. |
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| Jeff: I see Mark McCormicks name as one of the pitchers who had a special session with coaches presumably to improve the;ir command. Has his arme healed to the point he will open the season? |
| Joe Strauss: McCormick is expected to start the season at Class A Palm Beach. |
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| Travelin' Man: Greetings Chatmeister...I know your so called expertise is Cardinals's baseball...that is still up for debate..since we're into March, wanted to ask you a madness question. Noted ESPN analyst..Hubert Davis thinks Xavier is a sleeper candidate for the Final Four..in light of the X-Men's 25-4 record & strong non-conference schedule...how do you view XU's chsnces in the tournament? |
| Joe Strauss: Probably the best chance of any mid-major to reach the Elite Eight... And why do you care what Hubert Davis thinks when you can come to the ChatMeister for advice? |
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matt"mvp"stroehmer: Yo i'm ready for some Joe Strauss Live! lets go!
Alright, with the release of Spezio, who has the best chance of making the team out of these players:
1. Brian Barton
2. Colby Rasmus
3. Jarret Hoffpauir
4. Brendan Ryan
5. That Jimenez guy
6. The 1B from NYY
7. or a darkhorse?
IMO, the players to make the team should be numbers 1-4.
thanks again. |
| Joe Strauss: 1. Ryan. 2. Phelps/Mather 3. That (D'Angelo) Jimenez guy. |
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| Pitch Up: Joe: What is going to happen to the rotation? I would rather the Cards utilize someone like Mike Parisi than to go out and sign one of the rag arms left in free agency. I don't think Wellemeyer is an answer and if Reyes doesn't pan out I think they should give MP a chance to either sink or swim. They keep talking about all the young arms, they should put up or shut up... |
| Joe Strauss: Well said. You may get your wish. |
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| Darrell I.: Will Skip Schumacher be with the cardinals on opening day ? Keep hearing reports he will be included in a package for a trade. Hope the trade will be for a Right handed OF and/or starting pitcher. How did Sidney Ponson look when he threw yesterday ? |
| Joe Strauss: Schu is out of options and is a trade candidate if unable to make the team. (He is on the JSL!!! Opening Day 25). Ponson is scheduled to throw Thursday at 12:30 p.m. on Field One. The Cardinals have little interest in the appearance but will likely attend. |
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| The Slider: Joe: Tony LaRussa was recently listed as one of the many "managers on the hot seat" at another blog. Is this true and id so, why? Considering this seems to be the least he's had to work with while he's been in St. Louis. |
| Joe Strauss: Blogs? Read at your own risk. |
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| Adam: From a fellow VCU alum, does VCU need to win the CAA Tourney to get into the tourney? If VCU gets in how far do we go? As for the Cards, how do our injuried pitchers look so far? Go VCU!!! |
| Joe Strauss: The Rams are the dominant team within the underrated Colonial Athletic Association. They beat Duke in the first round last year and nearly did the same to Pitt. They won the regular season title. If the Rams aren't in, there is no justice. Mulder looks good. Clement is expected to see hitters for the first time Friday. Pineiro should be fine. Tyler Johnson is an issue, but the club is downplaying his rotator cuff strain. Stay tuned. Any time for a Ramballer. |
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| Joe Strauss: That's going to have to do it for this week. We'll be back next Wednesday to address developments. Feel free to submit questions early and often as we may get up on line before the scheduled opener. Thanks again for continuing the tsunami of interest that defines JSL!!! |
