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.

joie: From Gordo

“I like the club a lot,” DeWitt said. “The big needs that we saw, Mo saw, and the staff in the offseason saw were a productive middle infielder and lefthanded relief. Obviously our bullpen was not a strength last year.

So what am I missing where are these players? Yes I expect Greene to do very well this year but what about LH middle relief really!!??

Joe Strauss: Right now, it remains a jump ball regarding the lefthanded specialist role. Ring has pitched credibly. Charlie Manning needs to improve his command. Lack of it made him expendable to the woebegone Washingtion Nationals. Ian Ostlund needs to overcome his nerves. Katsu Maekawa could force his way into the equation by becoming more efficient. In a recent scoreless outing, Maekawa faced 10 hitters and threw 10 first-pitch balls.

John W: Joe Mather appears to be getting some time at 3B and David Freese continues to battle minor health issues. Does Joey Bombs look like the front-runner for third base in the month of April?

Joe Strauss: Well, since Freese hasn't been on the field during a game, I'd say yes. TLR liked Mather's bat last year and he likes what he's seen at 3B in a week's worth of games. Freese is starting a quarter-lap down in this race.

Jeff: Love the forum! What do you think the chances are of signing Ohman? Is there a medical concern or is it simply money?

Thank you.

Joe Strauss: Joe Beimel appears the stronger choice of several in uniform. And, yes, the issue is money.

Joe R. fron PA: Joe,

I know it is early but Duncan seems to be in a funk and Rasmus is right there with him. If Rasmus does not win a spot he goes back to AAA. What happens with Duncan if he can't regain his stroke ? I just have a funny feeling he might not be able to perform up to his capabilities as he will press. Would any other team take a chance on a change of scenery being beneficial to him.

Joe Strauss: Scanning the P-D chat boards, the ChatMeister has read some tough evaluations of Little Dunc' from several who say they have watched him in camp. I must be missing something. But here's a guy coming off disk replacement hitting .353 (in a small sampling) despite losing two extra-base hits to a pitcher's wind last weekend. He's swinging aggressively and is again capable of significant damage. Yes, he's still a "minus" outfielder. But as noted before, Duncan could be a huge asset off the bench this season.

Slim: Joe, great to have you back again sharing your insight. My question is about Carpenter. All the talk about his health has centered around how many starts he will be able to make. But is there any concern that, even when he does pitch, he might not be the dominant Cy Young winner he once was? The way he pitched last year and so far in Spring Training leads me to be optimistic that he can turn the clock back to 2005-2006, but I'm not entirely sure. I do wonder in particular if he's going to be able to pitch deep into games.

Joe Strauss: Carp' arguably was the NL's best pitcher from 2004-06. He's had two surgeries since in addition to dealing with a scary nerve issue that affected muscles around his shoulder last season. Both he and TLR say that they are taking his availability one start at a time. If Carpenter is not handicapped and able to regain his former command, it's reasonable to expect 15-17 wins from him even if his velocity has ebbed slightly. I would expect the club to err on the side of caution, much as it did when cutting off Saturday's start at two innings and 19 pitches.

c-redbird: Mr. Meister,

We have talked a lot in the past about Rick Ankiel's move from pitcher to center fielder as being unpresidented. Do you know of any success stories of outfielders moving to second base or short stop to put Skip Schumakers move in perspective? I threw in short stop because of the difficulty in playing a middle infield position versus a corner spot.

Thanks and I love the chats!

Cory

Joe Strauss: Alan Wiggins made the switch from OF to 2B for the San Diego Padres more than 20 years ago. Mickey Stanley played emergency SS for the Detroit Tigers during the 1968 World Series before starting there in 1969. After '69, he returned to the OF and eventually 1B. It's a rare feat. I'm not sold on comparisions with players who moved from OF to 3B. Middle infield is a different pony and tougher to ride.

Craig Hanley: Hi Joe,

I was wondering what the latest status was on acquiring either Joe Beimel or Will Ohman? It seems that the message from the office was to address various needs during spring training if they should arise. Other than Trevor Miller, there doesn't seem to be another left-handed pitcher that's impressing for the second spot. I know we're only a couple of weeks into it but I would hate to see this opportunity slip by if indeed we have a need.

Thanks,
Craig

Joe Strauss: All I can say is there are those in camp who share your view. However, those people do not control budget.

Thom: Greetings Great One Among the Palms:

And thank you taking the question. I think the Cardinals are a starter short. Who is out there looking for a job that the Cardinals can use because of his talent, and would be happy to afford for a 1-year deal? Also, any chance we can work out a deal on Peavy -- if not now, perhaps later in the spring when our outfielder start to clobber the ball?

Now to enjoy the rest of the Tsalami,
The Ironman

Joe Strauss: There doesn't appear much low-hanging fruit left among the starters crop beyond Pedro Martinez. Pedro says he wants to pitch badly but he's apparently unwilling to accept an incentive-laded deal. For now, the Cardinals are positioning Kyle McClellan as the "No. 6" starter should someone go down. Peavy involves huge dollars and significant prospects. I'd believe a deal for relief help more likely.

Colossal Cards Fan: What's the reason for Colby's early struggles?

Joe Strauss: Touched upon earlier. Raz' is taking lots of first-pitch strikes and finding it difficult to get himself out of holes. He's playing like a guy trying not to lose a job rather than trying to win one. He isn't lacking for opportunities. I don't think we've the best of his camp yet. It's still early.

Jason O.: Chatmeister,

Honestly man. What's your gut take on this Cardinals Organization? From top to bottom. You've been around them all for at least two weeks now. We've had coverage on top of coverage of how individual players are doing and it's been great. And no one can get a good read this early in the spring on how the team is gonna shape up a month from now, but there have been whispers about the direction the team is going, the bullpen being LEFT exposed (pun intended), the "blind sided shot" TLR took at MO, Albert MAY be willing to give a discount on a 10 year extension, etc. The problems we had last year went half-heartedly answered. Blame the economy, blame whatever, but right now most of cardinal nation is looking at a semi "turd" and DeWitt is telling us that it's a contender.
I guess what I'm asking is this:
Is it looking like TLR is gone after this season after his shot at MO?
Will the left handed pitchers we have, be the ones we keep going in?
Will ownership REALLY try to keep Albert, or will it be another "we were close" issue?
It just seems this organization is starting to fragment. And that's never good.
You have always been the straight dealer to all of those riding the JSL!!! Tsunami. Please enlighten.

Joe Strauss: Several of your questions are impossible to answer now.
This season will influence TLR's decision... For now, the club appears committed to the LH relievers in camp... Ownership will make an attempt to keep El Hombre but have given no indication of opening talks about an extension this season. (He is signed through 2011 if the club exercises its option.) Your use of the word "fragment" is an interesting one that I would not readily dismiss.

Doug: Joe:

Uh, why is Pujols getting so few at-bats this spring?

Thanks
Doug

Joe Strauss: Uh, because few are willing to pitch to him even in make-believe games.

reynmar: Oh great master of the wave, please tell me how Jess Todd - former Razorback doing in camp? Will he break camp with the big club, AAA Redbirds, or back to AA? Go Hogs, and Go CARDS GO!!!! If each of our starting five have career years ( as in best ever ), we can win it all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe Strauss: Todd's an interesting guy. He deservedly earned Cards minor league pitcher of the year honors after last season. However, many inside and outside the organization found Baseball America's recent projection of him as the team's No. 2 starter in 2012, shall we say, a "reach." Todd has a somewhat unorthodox finish to his delivery. Yet he has good command. Most project him as a major-league reliever. He has a reputation as a no-nonsense bulldog and a work-a-holic. His ball has natural late movement, which makes the organization leery of tampering with his delivery. I'm buying, but not necessarily for Opening Day. I could see Todd's arrival accelerate if the club dealt Brad Thompson, something certainly within the realm of possibility.

gnykin2: last night I had reoccurring nightmares of Trevor Miller throwing a pitch and his arm coming off. At this time we were stuck with Charlie Manning and Royce Ring blowing lead after lead.

Is my nightmare going to be a prophecy?

Joe Strauss: So far T. Miller has looked solid and recovered well. Sure, his right shoulder is an issue. But for now I'd chalk up your bad dream to some bad Chinese.

cbc1b: we have heard of the apparent log jab at third base with prospects, how does the middle infield stack up with viable assets? have a nice day

Joe Strauss: There's a lot of organizational honking over Tyler Greene and Pete Kozma. Greene turns 26 in August and wasn't added to the 40-man roster until last November. He projects as a possible utility type with some power. Player development types dismiss any suggestion that Kozma, the 2007 draft's first-rounder, eventually will end up at second base. We'll see. The ChatMeister found it interesting Kozma didn't receive an invite to major league camp. Kozma fared well at Quad Cities last summer but hit a wall at High-A Palm Beach. He turns 21 in April. The Cardinals liked him (or rather his signability) better than top Tigers prospect Rick Porcello. Niko Vasquez is an interesting guy. He lacks speed but hit well at Johnson City after the club drafted him out of high school in the third round last year.

JaLyn1201: Thank heavens the day is finally here when I follow the other snowbirds to Mecca (aka Jupiter Florida) to enjoy sun, sand, punding surf and Cardinal baseball. None of this, of course, can compete with a ride upon the tsunami JSL!!! Joe, please say you'll be here every week til October! Having been a Cardinal fan for more than 50 years, I've always been impressed with the way the Cardinal organization has treated its former players (like Red, Stan the Man, Gibson, Brock, etc.) and even with the way they honor worthy opponents like Craig Biggio. The last couple of years, however, they seem to have alienated some of their greats like Rolen and Edmonds. Is this part of their corporate posture or just a reflection of La Russa's contentious nature? Also, since Jason Isringhausen will not be allowed to end his career in a Cardinal uniform, are there any plans to honor him as the Cardinals' all-time saves leader or do they just hope he will slip away quietly grateful for having had the honor of wearing the birds on the bat?

Joe Strauss: The Chat's an occasional deal until the regular season, when it is expected to resurface every Wednesday (make that JSL!!!day). I don't know if it's a good idea to compare the Rolen and Edmonds situations. Rolen was destined to leave angry after the club's controversial handling of his shoulder issue. Rolen has a very long memory and chafed at TLR's micromanagement of the game and the clubhouse. Edmonds' case is more puzzling. The events that led to last summer's public sparring between TLR and him remain baffling. Edmonds deeply respected the manager, often calling him a father figure, and was genuinely hurt by Tony's stiffarm before last July's 4 return to Busch. The Cardinals' rule within the NL Central roughly corresponded to Edmonds' term here. Sure, Edmonds could be a drama queen. But he was a charismatic player who largely overcame a reputation as a complete "Me" guy after arriving from Anaheim.
I'll always believe it was an opportunity lost when the organization failed to recognize him and an unnecessary divorce when TLR called him out.
I believe Izzy felt more rejected by the fans than the organization. Unfortunately the Rays and Cards don't cross paths this season.

tpatton: Do you ever see the Cardinals trading Chris Duncan with his father the pitching coach? His career would be better as a 1B or DH. i like his power and ability to take a walk but he really is out of place as an outfielder.

Which scenario is more likely:

1) Duncan start the year in a left field platoon with Barton and Rasmus in the minor leagues to cut down on his strikeouts and major league service time, then gets traded later in the year.

2) Duncan gets traded after spring training to any number of teams looking for offense -- San Francisco or Toronto come to mind!! Hopefully with young pitching coming back our way!!

Joe Strauss: I believe Little Dunc' eventually ends up in the American League, where he could double as a 1B/OF/DH, much as the Baltimore Orioles currently use Aubrey Huff. Dunc's near term will be influenced by what happens at 2B and 3B. He has a remaining option. If Mather opens the season at 3B and Schu' at 2B, Duncan's a lock for at least the 4th OF spot. If Freese starts at 3B, a scenario of Mather and Dunc' in a LF time share is possible. Of course, that depends on how Colby Rasmus shows as well. If Duncan is healthy, I don't see him at Memphis. (But if healthy and productive, he would have value elsewhere as a low-cost masher.) This bench is desperate for power.

drelboc: Hi Joe,

Did you get to see Skip taking 95 MPH ground balls off a pitching machine? It seems to me that could be dangerous for a guy who is not in the habit of catching ground balls. I think I'd want to be decked out in catchers gear to do that drill. Are you seeing anything with the Skip experiment that is raising your brow of intrigue? What is your baseball eye speaking as you watch Skip work?

Thanks Joe!

Joe Strauss: I missed the drill as described in Tuesday's BirdLand. I'm careful how to address the situation because so many in talk radio and chat boards have mischaracterized previous statements. I previously minimized the experiments chance for success because: 1.) Schumaker has only two months to become competent at a position he has never before played, and 2.) He does not retain options to further develop at the position in Memphis.
Suggestions that the ChatMeister is rooting against Schu' in order to be proved right are absurd. There is no harder worker on the team. I do believe many overlook the difficulty of what he is attempting.

Dan in Dublin: Trying to catch the tsunami all the way over here in Ireland! Tony clearly wants Schumaker at 2B so he can get his bat in the lineup. But is it possible that playing a new position will actually damage Schumaker's offensive stats? If he's so focused on fielding, is it possible his at-bats will suffer, thereby negating the rationale for putting him there in the first place?

Joe Strauss: I saw it happen in 1990 when the Atlanta Braves moved Ron Gant from 2B to 3B. It nearly wrecked Gant's career. But Gant and Schumaker are different people. I don't believe Schumaker's mental toughness is an issue. But he is a perfectionist. And this isn't a perfect situation.

Andy: Strauss,
Thank you for the great articles and feedback! You do a great job!

One of my main concerns with the Cards for '09 is strikeouts. Yes we have powern in the lineup. But we have to make contact first. Greene, Ankiel, Duncan, Glaus, and Ludwick will strikeot often. Is it just me, or could this be a real problem in '09?

Joe Strauss: Strikeouts could be an issue. Ludwick, Mather, Duncan, Glaus, K. Greene, Freese and Rasmus are high strikeout talents. The Cardinals struck out fewer times than any NL team (985) while leading the league in team average last season. However, low strikeouts are no guarantee of a productive offense.

Terrapin03: Mr. Strauss-
If none of the "other" lefthanders asserts himself this spring and Mo won't open the purse strings for Beimel or Ohman, is it possible the team only carries 1 lefty reliever on opening day?
Who you putting your money on for tonight's tussle in Columbia?

Joe Strauss: I'd be surprised by a 6 RH-1 LH aligment. The bullpen's youth demands a lefthanded specialist.
Since sports wagering is illegal in MO, I would only make an imaginary "investment" on the Sooners.

mgentry517: Chatmeister,

Hope you're getting a nice tan down there. I know it's early, but any reads on how the outfield is shaping up? Are Duncan and Rasmus competing for a spot? Given Mather's time at 3rd while Freese has been unavailable, will he make the team in a Spiezio-type role? Does Barton have any chance of making the team, or is it just too crowded for him? Thanks!

Joe Strauss: My impression is that Raz' sticks only if he starts (and possibly only if Schumaker handles second base). With Rasmus, you would have 3 outfielders who would play almost every day, leaving the extra outfielders as offensive enforcers. Duncan fits that role well. TLR could also take Schu off second base in certain situations and transplant him in late innings to get a better defender in the infield. I still have a difficult time projecting Barton on this team. Mather fills the role of RH extra outfielder as well as potential 3B. Brendan Ryan or Joe Thurston could be this year's Spiezio (hopefully minus the off-field sideshow).

VICardsFan: Greetings from the Virgin Islands. Much of the starting pitching talk revolves around Carp's health and rightly so. However, there is little chat about Todd Wellemeyer. Wellemeyer had a break out year in 2008 and it seems as if he is another Dave Duncan success story. If he continues to improve and stay healthy he could very well be a 15 game winner this year. If everyone stays healthy and Wellemeyer continues to progress, the rotation should be top knotch. How long is Wellemeyer under the Cardinal's control? If he has another good year in 2009, will the front office lock Wellemeyer up for longer contract?

Losing Dave Duncan after this year could severely hurt our developing pitchers and reclamation projects (Wellemeyer and Lohse). Personally, I think Dave Duncan is our MVC (Most Valuable Coach) and would hate to lose him. How much of a factor does keeping LaRussa and Dave Duncan at the helm play into developing and maintaining our pitching staff?

Thanks for the chat!

Joe Strauss: Wellemeyer is a pending free agent. Unless the club ties him up Pineiro- or Lohse-style, it's questionable whether they would keep him once he reaches free agency. That, of course, assumes another season like his 13-9, 3.71 2008. Your point about Duncan and bullpen coach Marty Mason is well-taken. The Cardinals coaching staff has saved this organization tons of $$$ by working wonders with guys like Wellemeyer, who came to the club as Royals reject and is now a $4 million pitcher. A lesser coaching staff would not allow the front office the luxury of consistent bottom-feeding.

Bloomingbird: Oh Chatmeister...Validate me...Sweep me into the tsunami!

Do you think that Tony seriously thinks Skip can switch positions effectively and play everday at 2nd? Is this a challenge for him or was he just towing the company line?

Joe Strauss: It's TLR's brainstorm. However, Big Dunc's comfort level with a newfangled infield behind a pitch-to-contact staff carries significant influence.

BradV: I see just because the Cards have a day off, it doesn't mean the Chatmeister has a day off..... lucky for us!!!

Can we assume from todays article (Lefty Relief in State of Flux), that TLR and Dunc may pressure Mo at some point, to go after a Veteran lefty specialist???

Joe Strauss: Let's put it this way: It's not a dead issue.

BradV: Happy 29th Birthday Chatmeister!!! Thought I would ride the Tsunami on this sacred holiday....

If Piniero is such a lock as our number 5 starter, then why are they still streching McClellan out as a starter? Shouldn't he be working out as a middle relief, or setup guy at this point? I realize they may need him in case of an injury, but isn't that what Thompson is for? Is McClellan ahead of Thompson as our #6 starter?

Joe Strauss: I'm not giving out my real age, Brad. But you are decidedly "Under." Thanks for benefit of the doubt. McClellan is insurance for Carpenter. It is a big reason while McClellan is expected to "shadow" Carp's remaining spring starts. Thompson appears in organization Limbo. With so much focus on LH relief, the fan base should keep in mind that the right side is hardly cemented. TLR has indicated that once the season starts with Carpenter in the rotation, McClellan is likely committed to relief. Thompson has options remaining and could be sent to Memphis to start.

redbirdswin: First off, Happy Birthday to the Chatmeister! Have a good one and many more.

On to business - how legit is the report from Ken Rosenthal suggesting the Cards are looking for LH relief options elsewhere? Is there a legit chance that Mo will nab one of the remaining FA's (Ohman, Beimel, Reyes) at a reasonable price?

Joe Strauss: There is a chance and I strongly believe within the next 24 hours the major-league staff may underscore the need. If Ohman is indeed open to a minor-league deal, that could prove compelling, though it doesn't necessarily mean a sub-$1 million commitment should he make the club. It is amazing that the Cardinals' most obvious need (besides an experienced major-league 2B) is dangling from lower and lower limbs.

Tyler: Is Thurston really hitting as well as it seems? He has had a couple dingers and we're only 2 weeks into spring. Is this something he is capable of doing, or is he more of an Aaron Miles kind of player that will hit about 2-3 per year?

Joe Strauss: Thurston hit 11 HR at Pawtucket last season but has averaged 36 doubles/triples the last three seasons. Be careful with projecting spring stats. Consistent 25 mph winds can play tricks. (Remember, Tino didn't hit a bomb all camp in 2002... Oh, wait. Never mind.) Thurston appears to have good hands but does not own a strong arm.

mrbball28: Joe,

With Rasmus' slow start, is there any chance the club sends him to the minors as an excuse to delay his "clock" from starting? Happy birthday by the way!

Thanks!

Joe Strauss: It's offensive you would suggest such a thing. (At least that's what I was told after suggesting the same thing earlier in camp.) It would certainly be the path of least resistance if Raz' opened the season at Memphis before being promoted sometime in May. Right now his play isn't forcing the Cardinals' hand.

Kokomo Kid: Joe do you feel that there is a team that could use a good first baseman in Chris Duncan that could bring us some good LH relief. And would the front office make that trade.

Joe Strauss: Dunc' is going to have to prove he's beyond his recent injuries before his trade value increases. His value remains as a LH platoon bat. His recent health history and spotty record against LH pitching make it difficult for any team to project him in an everyday role.

DaDuke: Oh rider of the GREAT WAVE!

Would you please shed some light on the "money ball" being played in StL. now? It looks like Billy Bean has moved in to the big office next to Mo. Having said this, are the Cards looking into draft status of the upcoming draft and who would be potential first round selections?

Thanks from the shallow end of the ocean out here in the desert, Phoenix AZ!

Kevin Doukas

Joe Strauss: I couldn't tell you who the Cardinals will draft and I'm not sure you could safely project more than 10-12 of this year's first-round selections right now. That said, the so-called "MoneyBall" ideology does play a part in the Cardinals' thinking, from their heavy reliance of quantitative analysis within the draft to the transfer of the "numbers guys" from under Jeff Luhnow's oversight to Mozeliak's direct supervision. It does create a rub for some who bemoan the organization's affinity for "bat" guys over "tool" guys.

snoopycarmichael: Justin Fiske has a good outing for the cards on sunday, is there any chance he'll get to see more game time?

Joe Strauss: Not really. He's here as insurance until starting pitchers stretch out. That's not an indictment. He's 24 and coming off a solid season at Springfield. But there are others ahead of him in line.

Paul Greenlee: What happens to Skip if the 2B experiment fails?

Joe Strauss: He returns as starting LF vs. RHP.

Chris: Why don't we hear more comparisons between what Schumaker is trying to do and Craig Biggio? Catcher to 2nd seems like a more difficult transition than OF to 2nd and personality wise (hard nosed players with great work ethics) it seems to be a match as well.

If you had 1 Birthday wish for the Cardinals what would it be?

Joe Strauss: Answer: Because Schumaker didn't catch.

My wish for the Cardinals would be a more luxurious press set-up at their spring training facility. (It is my birthday!!!).

adam_cruts: Joe, one more question for you. What in the world does Hoffpaiur have to do to get a real shot at making the big club???

Joe Strauss: The next time Bruce Hornsby drops into camp, have him bring The Range.

mike devault: Joe, since you are going long today, Here are two quick questions:

What are your impressions of Thurston?

Why do the folks you've talked to like Beimel over Ohman & Reyes?

Thanks.

Joe Strauss: A serviceable option as a utility player. Projections of him as the dominant portion of a 2B platoon may have been overstated. There's belief that Beimel best fits the role of LH specialist. Dennys Reyes has dominant command splits against LH hitters, as does Ohman. All are legitimate options with proven track records.

zuke354: What is your thoughts on taking High school players and putting them on the 40 man roster?

I feel it is too much of a gamble with high school players as it is, much less having them stay injury free and being forced to keep them at the Major league level at 22 without regaurd to readiness.

Joe Strauss: You're absolutely correct. It is a gamble. But the draft by definition is a gamble. If you say you're all about player development and self-sufficiency, it sends conflicting signals to walk away from a pitcher some projected as a once-a-decade talent due to signability. There are those who look at the Cardinals' roster, with Pujols at first base, and scratch their head over drafting Brett Wallace last summmer. Those people doubt Wallace will ever be a serviceable defensive 3B. They may be wrong. It's interesting, however, that the Cardinals have shown far greater willingness to draft college players yet a disproportionate numbers of their better early picks were high schoolers. This year's draft will be the fifth under the control of V-P scouting and player development Jeff Luhnow. It's a fair sample size to start drawing conclusions.

Jason Cooper: Baseball Prospectus has the Cardinals' first base prospect Brett Wallace ranked very high in our farm prospect list at #2 behind Colby....but I have not seen any coverage on him so far this spring, and with Freese dealing with his achilles tendon Mather is getting the playing time. Any info on where Wallace has spent the last 2 weeks?

Joe Strauss: He received 2 AB against the Orioles and has been little seen since. There's a bit of irrational exhuberance within the fan base (and perhaps some quarters of the organization) about how close Wallace really is to the major leagues. The guy can rake. But there are legitimate concerns about his conditioning and defense. Of course, those concerns typically aren't mentioned by those looking through a more promotional lens.

jaydee_29: Is it too soon to predict that Rasmus will start '09 in AAA and Duncan will start '09 in LF?

Joe Strauss: It's never too soon to predict anything. It's way too soon to project with certainty.

Chuckincape: Joe,

The Cardinal front office keeps pointing toward a projected attendance drop as a reason to be frugal with payroll. Isn't this a self-fulfilling prophecy? If fans think they're being shortcharged, YES they'll stay away, but not because of the economy. If they think the office is trying to win, the fans will turn out. After all, in hard times we need to escape for a few hours, and an afternoon or evening at the ballpark will be a popular diversion, recession or not. What say you?

Joe Strauss: I see your point. The Cardinals are playing defense on budget, but they aren't alone. April is arguably their schedule's most challenging month. A ragged start would certainly harden negative impressions created by this off-season. That said, Carpenter's healthy return would give the team a solid, even formidable rotation that could help gloss over issues in the bullpen or the infield. Potential exists for this to be a dynamic offensive team. Depth looms as an understated problem.

Joe Strauss: As one ChatHead noted earlier, we've gone long (while the ChatMeister prefers to say JSL!!! "goes deep"). There's a chance we'll do this later this spring. Perhaps the P-D promotional budget will expand next time to give more of you a more visible and longer advance warning. Who knows? Maybe ChatMeister Mo' will again ride the Banzai Pipeline. Regardless, thanks for the on-topic questions and the birthday wishes. When you're almost eligible for the senior tees, I'm not sure there is anything such as a "Happy Birthday." But it probably beats the alternative. I have a strong sense the roster may look slightly different the next time we talk. The tide's back out.