Joe Strauss: Greetings from the land of blue gills, blue hair, Quebec license plates and camp intrigue!!! Just when the ChatHeads began believing the tide had gone out for good, JSL!!! is back for a Spring Training fix of compelling, sometimes informative but always self-promoting chat. The ball team is off today -- except for Adam Wainwright, who right now should be reaching No. 3 in the Honda Classic pro-am -- but the ChatMeister will be up for the next couple hours bringing some South Florida heat. As Derrick Goold noted within his omnipresent and player-friendly BirdLand, today is indeed the ChatMeister's B'day. But it's you, this forum's loyal participants, who receive today's gifts. So let's GET IT ON!!!

John W: Joe,

Spring training is still in its early stages, but who do you consider to be the best surprise thus far? From what I've read, Barton, Hawksworth, and Jay appear to be playing pretty well. Any others?

Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Jay's quick bat has opened some eyes among the major-league staff. As you note, Brian Barton has impressed with a flurry of power, though he is fighting an uphill battle against in an outfield numbers game. Chris Carpenter remains the best news of camp. He's hit every mark since entering camp and is scheduled to make his second Grapefruit League start Friday. Though not mentioned often within the 2B mix, Jarrett Hoffpauir has flashed some bat. Not surprising for a guy who has hit right at .300 the past two years combined. Joe Mather has done much to impress TLR as David Freese readies for his game debut at third base. There are some others we'll touch on as the chat progresses.

GScottAR: Do you think the Cardinals were serious about being "aggressive" this winter, but got spooked by the economy or do you think they are using the economy as an excuse and "playing it safe' was their plan all along?

Also, there has been much discussion about the need for more starting pitching, another 2B, another big bat, etc...., but to me the most glaring need is the closer role. Going with two unproven youngsters is scary. In my opinion, this bullpen looks no better than last year's pen. What say you Joe?

Joe Strauss: Well, the club signed Kyle Lohse to a 4-year, $41 million extension the day after the season ended, which suggests to me there was a plan to be more aggressive than what has since transpired. Had ownership known the full extent of the economic meltdown, I believe they would have waited on re-signing Lohse. John Mozeliak concedes he would have apportioned his budget differently if he knew what was coming. The Cardinals are nervous about retaining 3 million attendance. Given the numerous discounts they are offering in season-ticket packages, it's likely they will realize a lower return per ticket than last season. Premium seating and all-inclusive packages typically favored by corporations have taken a significant hit. It's fair to criticize the club over rubbing nickels over aquiring another LH reliever. But if you look around at what is happening in the St. Louis economy, I believe their concern is sincere.

Your concerns about the bullpen are well-founded, I believe. It's still very early but TLR and his staff likes to have a read midway through the exhibition schedule. That's only 1 1/2 weeks away. Josh Kinney and Chris Perez continue to seek a consistent release point. Kinney has yet to command his fastball. Jason Motte has looked better but it's questionable whether the club would turn the closer role over to him coming out of camp.
There is some talk about checking out Pedro Martinez as a candidate to close. He would also offer "starter insurance." However, those intrigued by the idea acknowledge finances may get in the way.

Ross: Has Rasmus looked as bad as his box score so far? There is alot of time for him to bounce back but I felt like he needed to have a great overall spring training to be with the big league club straight out of the gate.

Joe Strauss: We'll touch on the topic in tomorrow's P-D, but there's no question Raz' appears to be playing tight. TLR said as much on Tuesday. No one doubts Rasmus' talent. He just needs to let it go and play. Last year he successfully worked counts and ended up leading the Grapefruit League in walks. However, his manager wants to see him hack. A couple borderline punch-outs haven't helped.

jmuncy: Do you see Skip making it at 2nd? If not then who is next in line?

Also, why did the Cards let the Royals get away with signing Cruz? I was expecting to hear that the Cards signed him.

Finally, what do you think will happen with Tyler Greene? It seems like he is finally coming into his own. Any chance the Cards could trade KGreene at some point to install TGreene at short? If not, does he have a legitimate shot at replacing Miles as a utility player this year?

Thanks!

Jerry from Memphis

Joe Strauss: The combination of dollars and draft compensation deterred the Cardinals from pursuing a guy TLR loved. The Royals do not have to forfeit a first-round draft pick for signing a Type A free agent since they finished with one of the game's worst 15 records last season. (They instead lose a second-rounder.) The Cardinals would have lost their first-rounder. There is a legitimate debate to be had over how the Cardinals now weigh the draft against free agency, and how they weigh player development against trading to address immediate needs. The pendulum has swung far since Walt Jocketty's dismissal. As you may suspect, this is part of a much bigger issue.

T. Greene has impressed at times in camp but recently hit a rough patch defensively. He was a college player in the same 2005 draft that produced Rasmus, yet Rasmus appears likely to beat him to the major leagues. I don't anticipate any looming deal of Khalil Greene, a proven defensive shortstop whom the club acquired as an offensive upgrade. K. Greene is showing better as camp unfolds.