Dick L: Joe, Has anyone asked Mo what the team will do if Motte & Perez don't handle the closer role? I know there are other options, (like Franklin, etc.) but those options were tried last season and we missed the playoffs.
Are they prepared to spend some money or make the trade of some of our best prospects for a closer if it's needed? I'd hate to think of suffering through another bout of blown saves or blown games because the relievers were in disarray like they were last year. This team is too good to be put in that situation again. I also think if Dewitt thinks attendance may be down due to the economy this year... just wait until we throw games away because due to poor relief pitching.
Thanks!!

Joe Strauss: As of right now, Motte, Franklin and Perez appear the options, probably in that order until Perez proves his shoulder fully healthy and his mechanics consistent. Jason Motte has done nothing wrong since arriving. His velocity has impressed everyone who has seen him and his aggressiveness fits well with his role. The Cardinals, so to speak, are "all in" with what they've got. It's too late to go looking for other options. If Motte, Franklin or Perez can't handle the role, it's going to be 2008 all over again. However, to not be at least intrigued by what Motte offers is rather close-minded. I, for one, want to see more.

BGCARDFAN: Welcome back Joe.

A starter goes down early, has Kyle Mac changed their mind about him being starter #6 this spring ... is that now Thompson or does it fall to someone in Memphis?

If you were to pick one guy who didn't make the team, not named Perez, that impressed you the most this spring it would be?

Thank ya sir.

Joe Strauss: Should the need arise, Brad Thompson, PJ Walters or Mitchell Boggs would likely receive first crack at starting. McClellan was initially conditioned to start in case Carpenter didn't make it through camp. But since Carpenter appears fine, McClellan is seen as a bullpen asset. (McClellan also struggled to find a workable delivery for much of camp. His last several appearances have been encouraging.) Walters earned points pitching for Jose Oquendo's Carolina entry in the Puerto Rico Winter League. Walters doesn't throw hard but has impressed with his feel for pitching. Boggs has looked good in minor-league camp since shoulder issues torpedoed his major-league camp.

Outfielder Jon Jay and man-without-a-position Allen Craig impressed. Jay is an athlete who has skills comparable to Skip Schumaker (minus the strong arm). Craig has a longer swing but is dangerous to all fields. He may receive some exposure in LF at Memphis but will appear mostly at first base or DH. Adam Riefer never appeared in big-league camp but he's an intriguing guy if able to stay healthy. He's got a big arm and projects as a closer.

Headline the ChatMeister wants to read: "Cardinals Experiencing Riefer Madness"

(Alas, it's pronounced RI-fer.)

renomike99: Joe, thanks as always for the chats. You've seen Jason Motte pitch throughout the spring. How many more games do you believe it will cost the Cardinals using Motte as the closer rather than a proven commodity such as Fuentes? I say at least 7, more likely 10-12...

Joe Strauss: True, the Cardinals pushed for Fuentes. But it's possible they may eventually feel fortunate they missed on him.
First, Motte has a chance. Sure, he's raw. But no one threw harder in Florida this spring and he appears to possess needed resilience for the job.
Second, Fuentes is hardly a fail-safe option. He lost his job in 2007 and struggled for much of last season's first half. Signing him likely would have necessitated a salary dump in the outfield.
I think your projection is way heavy.

Ed C: Chatmeister,

Did you see the ESPN defensive rankings? All 3 OF positions were rated as bad (or sieves). What??? Where can one purchase whatever it is those guys are smoking or drinking?

Joe Strauss: I wouldn't call it a mine field out there, but subtracting Schumaker carries a cost. Colby Rasmus is most comfortable in CF but has looked uneasy on the flanks this spring. TLR insists Rick Ankiel is his CF due to greater experience. Rasmus will eventually be a defensive plus wherever he plays. However, he did not handle Florida's windy conditions well and the slices and hooks one encounters in RF and CF still seem to be a challenge. His arm has not appeared as strong as advertised, perhaps because he has rushed some throws. Ankiel has a "plus-plus" arm but takes unorthodox routes at times. Ryan Ludwick is fundamentally solid and is rated at least "average." Chris Duncan remains a "minus" defender but is capable of making an above-average play. His arm is a minus. Overall, it's a playable group.

Brett: Any interest in Sheffield? I'd like to have him aboard, he's one HR shy of 500 and he's healthy. I think that because we have OF depth, that is preventing the Cardinals from going after a big bat, something I think they sorely need. Please share your thoughts! Thanks.

Joe Strauss: The Detroit Tigers are paying him $14 million to go away. 'Nuf sed. You'd better believe TLR has heard every one of Jim Leyland's frustrations about Sheff'. The question was asked and answered of the front office Monday. No sale here.