Aaron: Joe,
I have been watching the box score for today's game and it appears that Franklin got roughed up a bit. He does not seem to be very sharp this spring. Looking more like he did at the end of last season instead the beginning. Is there concern about his effectiveness?

Joe Strauss: It's reckless to assign much to one spring training game. JSL!!! does have concerns about what last season's heavy use may have on Franklin this season. Franklin deserved All-Star consideration based on his first half then appeared to flag late in the season. He, Springer and J. Isringhausen held this team together last summer. The bullpen averted a complete meltdown for a team that allowed 104 more runs than it scored.

Hieu: How do the Cardinals plan on bring Carpenter back from Tommy John surgery? I remember when Matt Morris went through the same procedure, the eased him back into the rotation by spending time as a reliever. Finally the following year the had him start again.

Will it be a problem for Carpenter to jump right back into the rotation when he comes back?

Joe Strauss: Tony has suggested the same.

RCJ: What are Hoffpauirs chances with the main club? Is he a legitimate candidate for the middle infield? I don't like the thought of Izturis and Kennedy and I fear that other options won't be explored because these are Tony's "vets".

Joe Strauss: Hoffpauir is not an Opening Day option. Izturis and Kennedy are going to start the season in St. Louis barring a tectonic shift in thinking.

Jason: Should the Cards sign Kyle Lohse, what happens when Mulder and Clement come back from injury? Seems management has tried to avoid signing anyone else this spring to prevent a logjam later in the season.

Joe Strauss: That is reactive thinking, sir. It is also a question asked in the Cardinals front office. Should the Cardinals sign, say, Lohse, they would be positioned to trade or option a pitcher upon Clement's return. (Reyes has an option and some trade value.) Your point is a good one, because signing a free agent pitcher sets up a subsequent deal. I'm not sure the Cardinals' primary concern right now should be about a "logjam" of pitching.

Michael: Any chance the Cards pick up Billy Crystal for the rotation once his contract expires with the Yankees? And, if not, why Lohse over Dream Weaver?

Joe Strauss: Crystal appeared in the Cardinals clubhouse last season. (Sorry, I'm a Foxworthy guy). Check out Weaver last season. A train wreck. Lohse is a more dependable innings pitcher. Weaver also has the same affliction that affects Lohse, according to the Redbirds. He's represented by Scott Boras.