Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up!!! The ChatMeister has remained back in Jupiter to perform his weekly service for those of you who a) Can't get enough thought-provoking, insightful information about your favorite ballclub or b) are looking for any excuse to bag 60-90 minutes of work on a Wednesday afternoon. Either way, I hope you've forwarded your question or comment because YOU are what makes JSL!!! the unstoppable cyber-force it has become. Sorry we couldn't bring back John Mozeliak as this week's warm-up act but based on last week's tsunami of interest, Mo' may be back at some point this season. Meanwhile, you'll have to deal with yours truly. So Let's Get It On!!!

Jeff: What is the deal with Pujols and his elbow issues, he looks awesome this spring. Is there a chance he gets shut down or is he determined to play through the pain?

Joe Strauss: For the 693rd time this spring, Pujols is not in jeopardy of immediate shutdown barring a rupture of his ulnar collateral ligament. The condition has somewhat degenerated over the last five years but is considered "playable." Should El Hombre become unproductive because of the tear, he will have surgery. Based on this spring, I don't see that as an issue at present.

Steve: Oh Wisest One.
How much service time does Ankiel have? With his extended rehabs, trips back to the minors, and I believe brief release when he retired from pitching, he has spent less than 6 years on the major league roster. Is he a free agent after this year? Arbitration eligible?
If he has a good year is it going to be hard to sign him?
Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Ankiel has 4.033 years of major-league service. He was arbitration-eligible this winter but agreed to a one-year, $900,000 deal. He will again be arbitration-eligible after this season. The Cardinals might like to sign him following a strong season but Ankiel's agent, Scott Boras, is philosophically opposed to his clients signing without availing themselves of free agency. So the answer is, yes, it will be difficult for the Cardinals to tie Ankiel up if he hits 30 home runs and drives in 90-plus as the ChatMeister expects.

Dave Laskarzewski: Mr. Strauss, It appears that the feeling Cards' fans had when Mr. Mozeliak signed Izturis is coming true - he is not the answer, not even short term. So. Why not proactively explore a trade? With a plus of outfielders, send Duncan + Ludwick or Barton + minor leaguer to Anaheim/LA for Brandon Wood (kind of the odd prospect out there) + a draft pick. Izturis could become a roll player off the bench, sent to AAA or released.

Joe Strauss: Eating a $2.85 million contract before Izturis had a chance to play a game in St. Louis would be huge admission by a first-year GM. I don't see that happening. Though it's up to Izturis to prove he can again be a productive, everyday player, I believe he will show better defensively during the season than the player who entered today's action with more Grapefruit League errors than hits. Of all the moves the Cardinals finalized this winter, the Izturis deal smacked most of panic. Izturis strikes me as a good guy and a conscientious player who is pressing. He drove in 16 runs in 314 at-bats last season and was displaced in Chicago by Ryan Theriot. Izturis has something to prove. Right now that may be getting in his way.

Bud Floor: Defense is a very important part of baseball as all pitchers know. Can you give some information on defensive abilities of Cardinals players? For example one Cardinal has been called above average and a person who will never be able to play defense at any level or any position. How can we know without great involvement with the team? Has anyone done a study on defensive abilities of professional players?

Joe Strauss: Quantifying defensive value is very difficult. Range factors, zone ratings, etc., rely on outside influences such as pitcher types and ballpark dimensions. This may offend some, but my experience is a scout's eye is typically the best indicator. As one GM suggested earlier this spring when asked your question, "Just watch the game." It's interesting that Derek Jeter can win multiple Gold Gloves and yet be ranked by one statistical formula as the worst starting shortstop in either league. I'm not a Jeter honk, but he's certainly not the position's worst defender.

Michael B.: I am hearing alot about the quality of starting pitchers we have coming up, McClellan, Mortenson, Garcia, & Parisi. Why waste money on guys like Clement ,Pinerio, & Looper and let these guys learn on the job and save that money. The fans will get excited by seeing the future. Trade those vets to continue to build the farm system. I know 2 of those are hurt but when they are healthy why not trade them?

Joe Strauss: Because the Cardinals are not interested in overexposing young pitchers. It's not enough to say give "the kids" a chance. You're suggesting putting a converted reliever, a guy who's never pitched above Class A, a lefthander who dealt with elbow issues last season and another guy with a career losing record in four minor-league seasons in the same major-league rotation. Never mind the absence of innings. I don't know how many fans you speak for, but it's hard to believe a huge segment of the fan base wants to witness that kind of abuse. The players you speak of are talented. They're not Dontrelle Willis, Justin Verlander or Scott Kazmir. Calm down. These guys will receive a chance if they produce in the minors this season.

Scott: First off, let me say that I think Albert Pujols is the best player on the planet and I realize that saying anything negative about him might subject me to a lighting strike any second. Having said that, I do have one complaint about Albert’s game and that is his base running. I think there is a difference between aggressive and reckless and too often I think Albert comes down on the reckless side. Many times I have seen him thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double or double into a triple.

My question is does anyone within the organization share this concern or is it merely something that is dismissed as him being aggressive, not to mention it doesn’t outweigh the million things he excels at. And if it is a concern by anyone in the organization, is Albert deemed “coachable” or is he hands off due to his super star status?

Joe Strauss: Interesting observation. TLR describes Albert as one of the better baserunners he's ever managed. "Aggressive" is the operative word. That said, Albert does plow through Jose Oquendo's stop sign more than anybody on the club. El Hombre does push for the extra base at time when caution might be advised. But oddly enough, Albert somehow beats the play due to a good slide, a bobbled relay or an off-line throw. It's as if his aggressiveness surprises defenses. It is difficult to reprimand a superstar player when he has successfully gambled, much like a guy who swings through a take sign and hits a 3-run homer. TLR respects Albert's knowledge and feel for the game. But others share your take.

Hooked on hoops: Joe, what's with all the baseball talk? This is March Madness time. Tell me my 'Horns have a shot, even without the services of one Kevin Durant.

Joe Strauss: Your Horns are playing well, but I'm not buying. They have to go through (in the ChatMeister's opinion) Austin Peay, Miami (Fla.), Stanford and Memphis/Pitt to reach San Antonio. I'd be very inclined to take Miami and the points (whatever that means) in the second round. As stated here two weeks ago, UNC is the official pick of JSL!!! Accordingly, the NCAA Selection Committee anointed them top seed. Smart guys.
You want sleepers: Try Western Ky., West Va., USC, Clemson and South Alabama.

Larry Harnly: Baseball America does a thorough job on its top 100 prospects. Why do you think reliever Chris Perez is ranked only No. 97? Could it be his lack of control?

Joe Strauss: Perez has a major-league arm but has exhibited erratic command, not unusual for a 22-year-old entering his third pro season. He's allowed 43 hits and 60 walks in 84 professional innings. Baseball America anointed him the Cardinals' No. 2 prospect, which may be fair, but sheer velocity is not going to guarantee success at this level. There's a lot to like, but better conditioning and improved command would make him a lot more believable as heir to Jason Isringhausen.

Mike: Hey Joe!

I wanted to get your take on the starting pitching situation. What do you suppose is the likelihood of adding a healthy and effective Pineiro, Clement, and Mulder, during the first couple of months of the season? Would you say it's more probable that one or two of the guys turn out to be no better than what the Cards will have on opening day? Thanks for your wisdom.

Mike from Miami

Joe Strauss: Pinero is lobbying to start the season on the active roster. Clement and Mulder have been impressive recently. Barring a setback, your scenario is very plausible, leaving the Cardinals positioned to trade. If the Cardinals have committed $20 million this season to three pitchers who are not an upgrade over swingmen, this will be a long season. It's valid to question whether Wellemeyer, Thompson and Reyes can consistently provide innings. It may be difficult for the rotation to support more than one for an extended period unless Reyes becomes much more efficient.

G Money: Is Motte a legit prospect? Spring numbers are very good and his numbers last year are impressive. If yes, he and perez may give the Cards a nice 1-2 punch out of the pen for the next few years.

Is the bench going to be; LaRue, Ryan, Miles, Ludwick and Barton. (Starting OF Ankiel,Schumacher and Duncan). I agree Mather should play everyday at AAA. I also tend to want Ryan to play everyday. Maybe keep Jimenez and put Ryan at AAA.

Is T. Johnson done for the year?

Joe Strauss: In order: Yes, but still raw.
Yes, depending on whether the club is facing a LHP or RHP.
The club insists Johnson is not done for the year, but he has shown less progress than predicted when the slight rotator cuff tear was first disclosed.

Brock Landers: Chatmeister: This pitcher batting 8th.....as Nancy Kerrigan cried, "WHYYYYYYYYY??"
Tony hitting the pitcher 8th, I believe it's nothing more than a publicity stunt, that if it works, adds to Tony's "genius" label. It's completely self serving by the manager and does not make the team better.

Several questions, some of which are obvious:
*If it works so well, why not use it for the past 9 years?
*If he only uses it when his teams struggle, what kind of message is he (Tony) sending to the 2008 Cardinals? Is he telling the offense they stink like caca?
*If it's so effective, why didn't Casey Stengel, or John McGraw, or Sparky Anserson, or Whitey Herzog use it?
*Consider this: In most NL games, the starting pitcher bats maybe 3 times (much less on our team). Often he's pinch hit for by his 3rd at bat, or he may be in a spot to sacrifice. Since the pitcher rarely comes up in the first inning, how many REAL opportunities would the pitcher hitting 8th benefit the team? How many times would the pitcher come up in an rbi spot batting 8th versus batting 9th? Statistics say more.
*Finally this. Let's assume Albert bats 3rd. In the first inning, if no one gets on he bats with baes empty. Same as if he would if he batted 4th and the team went 1-2-3 in the first. Using Tony's pretzel logic, it makes more sense to hit Albert 4th so if he does come in the first, statistically, there's a better chance he'll come up with men on base.
This whole thing is grandstanding; much like Tony's tatoo, hair color, high profile friends, animal hugging, and bullying of young players and the media. Every year it's something with this guy.
"WHYYYYYYYYY?"

Brock Lander, for Dirk Diggler
Glendale, Mo

Joe Strauss: Barack Obama gave a shorter speech on race the other night. But since you're from Glendale and mixed in a Kerrigan reference, I'll bite.
I, for one, have asked if the concept works so well why isn't it implemented on a 105- or 100-win team. I've also wondered why not just bat Pujols cleanup. Sorry, I can't sign off on your personal shots. If TLR wishes to bully the media, the media can (and usually does) respond accordingly. This is my seventh year covering the club. It's been overwhelmingly positive with him, though I acknowledge others have had well-documented differences. If you wish more information on the pitching hitting eighth and have a minute or 60 to spare, D. Goold's Bird Cage, er, Bird Land has some elaborate takes on it today.

DAVE COBLER: Hey Joe;
What is going on with Ceasar Isturis? Everything I am hearing is that he is not performing at the plate or in the field. Is he that bad? If so, how far can the Cardinals play into the season with basically eight guys on the field?
I know his contract is major league money, so I would think he will get his chance to improve. When Mo first signed him I voiced my displeasure that he would not even be a good number 9 hitter, but I thought he'd be good in the field.
Ryan may be a bit raw maturely speaking and a little out of control at times in the field, but he will make the routine plays and give the club a bat that might fit that leadoff spot in the 9th hole.
So much for my input Joe. What is your knowledge on the matter? After all, you are the Chatmeister Omnimscient. ;>)

With all due respect, THANK YOU for your time Joe! I enjoy all the fans questions you can get to. It IS GOOOOOD.

Joe Strauss: Izturis was a transitional signing: one year for nominal dollars. He will start the season at SS but I believe his performance will dictate how long he holds the job. Adam Kennedy lost time rapidly last time at SS. If Izturis hurts the club, I believe your wish will be granted and heavy doses of B. Ryan will be forthcoming.

Jim Scott: Joe, Long time listener, first time caller. If someone not on the 40-man roster like Cliff Politte or Chris Perez make the club as the 12th man in the bullpen and someone needs to be removed, what are the repercussions for the removed player? I read where Kelvin Jimenez or Kyle McClellen have the advantage because they are on the 40-man roster. Also I see Cody Haerther is listed as a pitcher on our 40-man roster. What's the scoop on the switch from the outfielder?

Joe Strauss: The removed player must be outrighted off the 40-man roster or released. I believe your read is accurate regarding McClellan and Jimenez, especially given that non-roster reliever Ron Villone will be added... Haerther remains an outfielder. It's a typo.

Chris: Who's got the best shot of filling in the last bullpen spot? I like the idea of having Kyle M. be like Wainwright and spend a year in the pen before moving to the rotation. Your thoughts O' Wise One. Also, it appears our farm system is suddenly heading in the right direction after all the abuse it took last year for not having MLB ready players available. Is this reality, or just a lot of internal hype to make it appear better than it really is?

thanks.

Joe Strauss: McClellan intrigues me. Motte also impresses but is not as polished. Some within the organization believe McClellan projects as a major-league reliever, so his presence on the Opening Day roster wouldn't be a huge reach. Wainwright is a legitimate No. 2 starter with a potential ceiling to be an ace. I haven't heard the same about McClellan, who has only 12 minor-league starts the last three seasons. It's not a dig. They're just different. The hype machine is in high gear regarding some of the prospects, but it's accurate to say there has been more to watch from the minor-league side this season than in recent years. There are some big arms on campus for a change.

Rick: At the end of your Cards Get Down To Business posting, you project two lefty outfielders against a left-handed starting pitcher. If Barton is good enough to keep, why does he miss a start against the LHP? If not against LHP, when does he play?

Joe Strauss: You may be proven right. However, TLR has exposed Schumaker against LH pitching during camp with favorable results. Ankiel is going to be an everyday player unless he proves otherwise. Ryan Ludwick receives the benefit of doubt over Barton after driving in 52 runs in 303 at-bats last season. Who knows? TLR could opt for Barton and Ludwick in the same outfield. Barton has 25 games above Double A. I'm not sure it's safe to project him over a player (Ludwick) who been above that level since 2002. Fact is, this is going to be a mix-and-match club. We'll see plenty of OF combinations. At some point, both of us will be right.

Foster: El Diablo,

Looking ahead, what happens when the four SP's (Clement, Mulder, Carpenter, Pinero) come back? I would assume Wainwright and Lohse stay (two would compete for the fifth spot), but what of the others? Will they be sent down, cut, or bullpen?

Joe Strauss: Let the intrigue begin. Reyes has options. Wellemeyer and Thompson are considered long-term relievers. Looper is in the final year of his contract and is being paid $5.5M. You take it from there.

Kevin: Joe,

Why not sign Jeff Weaver? Looper is iffy and could return to the pen. Thompson and ? could be dealt for a SS with a decent glove and bat.

Thanks,
Kevin

Joe Strauss: Why not sign Sidney Ponson? The answer's the same. The Cardinals are looking for innings. Weaver and Ponson could not guarantee them. Check out Weaver's 2007 and explain to me why the club should hyperventilate over his availability.

uremovich: Joe- any truth to the rumor about changing Wednesday to JSL!!!day?

How long can TLR live with Chris Duncan's current performance level?

Joe Strauss: I can't substantiate the rumor. I can only validate the reasoning behind it.

C. Duncan will be allowed to swing himself out of his current funk. He performed well during a minor-league game this morning and was driven to Fort Lauderdale where he will appear against the Orioles. If Duncan is not protecting an injury, as he did for two months last season, he should be fine. If not, the lineup's in trouble.

Adam: Chatmeister Man!
Is Albert Pujols' elbow really that much worse than it's been in the past couple of years? Or is it just drawing more attention because he's talked about it this spring? On a scale of 1 to 10, how worried should we be about El Hombre?

Joe Strauss: Rate it a 7.

Linda Lou: O Chatmeister, do the Cards have plans yet to retire Jimmy Edmonds' number 15 and, if so, when might that happen? What number do you think Colby Rasmus wear when he returns later this year?

Joe Strauss: Interesting question. The Cards have resisted the fetish to retire Willie McGee's No. 51. Edmonds likely won't make it into the Hall of Fame, so I'm skeptical. I'm not sure what number Raz' will receive, but I'd anticipate it being lower than that given the typical rookie. I could see him eventually ending up with No. 7, though Kennedy current wears it.

phil: What happened to josh phelps?

Joe Strauss: The club reassigned him to minor league camp in the second wave of cuts. His defense is considered a major liability.

MICHEAL SIMPSON: AS A LIFE LONG CARDINALS FAN FROM NORTEAST ARK. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE CARDINALS TRIPLE AAA TEAM IN MEMPHIS WILL NOT BE THERE AFTER THIS YEAR.WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THIS HAPPENING? THANKS

Joe Strauss: Remote but real. At this point, I'd say more likely than real remote. Neither party wants it to happen, so I'm betting against it.

sjaeger1: Hello Mr. Strauss,

Outfield, 1B, 3B, and catcher look really good for the Cards. But the most worrying part of the team (aside from starting pitching) is middle infield, especially shortstop. What exactly are Izturis's strengths? Are the Cards really going to go with him as starting shortstop? Brendan Ryan seems preferable. Or is there any possible help through trade? Izturis as the starter is a depressing prospect, especially since the rest of the team allows for some optimism.

Thank you,
Susan

Joe Strauss: Can't argue with your analysis, but I'm willing to give Izturis a longer look. My suspicion is a platoon eventually will evolve with Ryan. I'm not prepared to bury Cesar, especially as a defensive player.

Jason S.: Would you consider throwing 75 pitches over four innings economical? Looks like more of the same from A. Reyes.

Joe Strauss: I consider economical to be 12-13 pitches per inning. 15 is standard. Anthony needs to develop a putaway pitch. For a guy who pitches away from contact, he finds a lot of it, including lots of 2-strike foul balls. He's been more aggressive in the strike zone this spring. But you're right, efficiency is an issue.

Creston: Week after week I submit questions to you, well every chat session you have and am yet to have one answered, so here I go again. First my observation, I like how this offense is playing out a lot, I feel that the Cards are putting a much better product on the field this year than last year and have a serious chance to contend based on a few pitching ifs being fullfilled, at this point what type of record do you see for this team come September 30th? And a quick second question, what is the real status on Clement and Pinero, haven't really heard anything about them lately, Pinero has just been basically said to have had a sore shoulder and no return date has been set, can we look for him to start the year on the DL??

Joe Strauss: Consider yourself validated, Creston. You may now walk into the pick-up joint of your liking and use the line, "I hit the board at JSL!!!"
You're welcome.
Clement is gaining momentum. Pineiro wants back in the mix and believes he could throw five innings by the rotation's second turn of the season. Pineiro said today he will lobby Dave Duncan to have his next work occur in a game setting. I'm skeptical Dunc' will go along, but it's a good sign.
Prediction: TLR will receive Manager of the Year votes if his team finishes .500 or above.

Eric: Hey Joe, love the discussions..
ROTATION
Firstly, signing Lohse has given me a much more positive outlook on the rotation. "Wainright-Pinero-Lohse-Looper-Clement" looks pretty good. Having Reyes/Thompson/Wellmeyer as spot starters is much more pleasing. And this rotation can be Carp-Wainright-Mulder-Pinero-Clement-Lohse by season's end (6 quality starters!)
It seems the rotation is deep enough (presumably) where we can ease Mulder-Carp back in without rush. I am much happier than a week ago. Thoughts?

Also, I love what I am hearing about Barton. Remember the way Tony Womack ignited the Cardinals line-up in '04? (how soon we forget)...Do you see similar potential for Barton?


Thanks Joe.

Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister is always happy, Eric. There was significant need for Lohse. Barton's long-term upside is considerably higher than Tony Womack. Barton offers power and speed. He is a minus defender, in my opinion, and should not be seen anywhere other than left field. Womack was nearing the end of his career with the Cardinals. Barton is at the beginning.

Truth Detector: My first impression of Barton was not good. Others in camp thought the same. Rarely in more than two decades of covering the game have I seen a player reverse his performance so abruptly. Every indication is that Barton is a plus in the clubhouse as well. It's a good thing camp lasts six weeks rather than four. Now many are intrigued to see how Barton's recent performance translates into the season.

DannyB: Why was Anderson sent to Springfield? Is there a legitimate catcher in Memphis?

Joe Strauss: Mark Johnson and Matt Pagnozzi will catch at Triple-A. Anderson needs to play everyday. Johnson has played for pieces of seven seasons in the major leagues and hit .320 last year at Triple-A Tucson. It will be interesting to see how the club handles Anderson. He's 21 and apparently blocked by a potential Gold Glove catcher. The Cardinals insist he's not changing positions. Stay tuned.

RCJ: WHAT ABOUT AN OPENING-DAY LINEUP AGAINST COLORADO LH JEFF FRANCIS?

RF Skip Schumaker
LF Ryan Ludwick
1B Albert Pujols
3B Troy Glaus
CF Rick Ankiel
C Yadier Molina
2B Aaron Miles
P Adam Wainwright
SS Cesar Izturis

As excited as I am about the season, this makes me ill. Why not start Barton in one of the corner spots? Though he is struggling, shouldn't we start to count on Dunc as a regular starter? Why Miles over Kennedy? I know this is theoretical but I'm looking at an opening day lineup with a lot of good career bench players. As I look at this I expect a hockey style season with daily "line changes" for starters instead of a solid starter roster. Queasy again.

Joe Strauss: The lineup is crafted to face a LHP. My cohort, D. Goold, argued for Barton and he may be proven right. But there is going to be a lot mixing and matching this season. Pujols, Glaus, Ankiel and Molina may be the only everyday names.

Steve: El Diablo, What are the odds that Chris Perez becomes our eighth inning setup man. If you look at Franklin's strikout rate and career numbers it would be foolish to assume he can come close to last season's performance.I think this is the perfect time to groom Chris Perez as Izzy's heir apparent with a one inning role.

Joe Strauss: Perez's grooming is likely to take place at Memphis. See earlier answer.

Kyle Lohse: JSL,

Will I enjoy my summer in St. Louis?

Thanks

Joe Strauss: Hot and cold, but I believe mostly hot.

Milton: Looking ahead to July, if the Cardinals have 6-7 decent starters (not counting Carpenter) and all are healthy, do you forsee Piniero moved to the pen or do you think Mo will try and make a trade?
Milt

Joe Strauss: Pineiro is averaging $6.5M per year, heavy jack for a middle reliever. The Cardinals appear committed to him as a starter. Pineiro's contract makes him virtually untradeable.

Paducah Greg: Joe,
Fantastic chats this Spring!

Anyway, is there any chance we can deal, reassign or release Chris Duncan. I love him for the 2006 pinch hitting homer, but to me he plays an awkward outfield and his bat is not a WOW! Even with his Dad around, I think we should deal him. Could we get anything out of him?

Love to hear your prospective.

Joe Strauss: OK, Little Dunc' is never going to be Jeff Francouer in the outfield. He's a LF. Sometimes I think folks want to trade him BECAUSE of his dad, which ain't fair. TLR can use whatever euphemisms he wants to discuss Chris' defense, but the guy can mash when healthy. Inexpensive power producers are valuable commodities, and this team appears more reliant on extra-base production than any in recent memory. Dunc' carries an .884 career OPS. (Ankiel was .863 during his breakout month last season.) I wouldn't be in a rush to trade a 26-year-old with 35-HR, 100-RBI potential. At this point I'm sure someone is calling the ChatMeister an organizational tool... Next.

Jeff: Who do see as the favorite for the last open position in the bullpen? McClellan,Jiminez,Perez or Politte?

Joe Strauss: You named them in the proper order.

Mark Varner: Mr. Chatmeister:

Any word on Dave Duncan's feelings on Brad Thompson this year? I know he struggled last year (especially with his walks). But, looking at his spring stats, he seems to be keeping his walks down (only 2 in 11 1/3 Innings through today's game) - his whip is good (around 1.00). Today, I thought, was a true test: Swirling 28 MPH winds and a lineup for Baltimore that started the day with 8 guys hitting over .300 for the spring. Yet while the Cardinals are scoring almost at will ..... Baltimore seems to be struggling to make good contact.

Your thoughts on his prospects of being in the rotation longer than "rehab duty"??

Joe Strauss: Thompson is in competition with Reyes for the final rotation spot. Thompson has been more efficient to date. Your points are right on. If there is a potential surprise at the end of camp, it may be where Thompson fits on this staff.

Joe: Lord and ChatMeister, what are the odds on TLR taking both Reyes and Perez North at the end of the month?

I'm with you on UNC but think TN could present a problem if they both make it that far.

Joe Strauss: Minimal. Perez' best chance would be if Thompson earned a rotation spot, Reyes was optioned and another bullpen spot became open... Tennessee has a growing bandwagon but I'm not diggin' their late-season inconsistency.

Andrew: i don't understand it. i could answer 90% of the questions you get asked during these things, yet you continue to answer all of them and time after time you leave my questions unanswered. Maybe I just know more than you about Cardinal baseball?

Joe Strauss: Or maybe you need to ask a question.

Andrew: How long will Joel be out? I really still don't like the back end of the rotation consisting of Reyes and Wellemeyer, both. I was hoping we'd only have to use one of them. Right now our starting five is Waino, Lohse, Looper, Reyes and Wellemeyer. If all goes well what could you see our starting 5 looking like by the end of May?

Joe Strauss: Pineiro hopes to be back by the second turn of the rotation. Given where we are in camp, his expectation may be a tad optimistic. Better news is that he has experienced no return of tightness behind his right shoulder in the last five days.

Hal: Joe:

Give us some NCAA first round upsets...9 seeds and up of course

How soon in the season..will the sellouts cease with this misfit group of outcasts.

Chatmeister, Rock ON!

Joe Strauss: Kentucky (11), W. KY (12), Sienna (13) and St. Joe's (11) are live... My information is that the second game of the season may not sell out, ending a streak of 162 consecutive sellouts at new Busch. The Cardinals have not cited your "misfit group of outcasts" as the reason.

Joe Strauss: THanks for your overwhelming interest, which has become par at JSL!!! As always, most of your inquiries were well-timed, with the exception of one whiner who preferred Crayola and 5th-grade obscenities. Such base tactics are to be used solely by the host. Good luck with your NCAA brackets, remember that all hints are for entertainment value and circle next Wednesday as our final back-and-forth before breaking camp. As my good friend John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press would say, "It's been Out-STANDING."