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.

BGCARDFAN: And one more ....

Will Mike Anderson and Mizzou continue to make sweet music together?

And what the heck... Tony having enough fun to ink up another term?

Thanks again.

Joe Strauss: It's safer to project Coach Mike long term than TLR. Glad to see Mizzou hoops validate the ChatMeister's early love for them. Anderson appears a class act who has endured some difficult times before setting his program on the right track. Mizzou should take care of Anderson the same way it satisfied its more overrated football side.

Official Prospect: Are you upset that your final trip to the Pyro Grill is only minutes away? Also, Mike Shannon said Tuesday that Roger Dean will not renew the naming rights deal on the spring park. How about Pyro's Park? Or Palm Beach Kennel Club Park? Appreciate your thoughts as always.

Joe Strauss: Your local knowledge is impressive. The ChatMeister is indeed an offical Pyro-Maniac and would welcome the lunch place taking over naming rights. Roger Dean is a prominent car dealership. I'm not sure of this but it doesn't seem to be the best of times for those selling autos. The Rooney's own PBKC and a nearby pub (creatively called "Rooney's"). The ChatMeister would be fine with them branching out and even installing a satellite poker room on the stadium's suite level.

Tom52: CATCHING THE BIG "JUMBY BAY" WAVE BACK TO REALITY BRINGS US TO THIS CONCLUSION: RYAN IS THE ODD MAN OUT. TONY IS NOT INFATUATED WITH "PAY ATTENTION" BRENDAN, MATHER HAS THE "POP" THE SKIPPER LEANS TOWARDS & IN A PINCH CAN PLAY 3 OF THE I.F. SPOTS (IF NOT ALL 4) PLUS THE O.F. & THURSTON IS THE LEFTY/HUSTLE GUY THAT WOULD SEEM TO SCORE POINTS WITH THE BOSS. WHAT SAY YOU MR. VILLANOVA-TIP GURU?

Joe Strauss: Lose the all-caps, T52. Save it for the chat boards, not the ChatMeister.
I disagree with your take. I see Ryan in St. Louis opening day. I see five outfielders (Mather and Rasmus as extras). I see two reserve infielders named Joe Thurston and Brendan Ryan. There, I've said it.
Thanks for remembering my pre-tournament pimp for 'Nova.

Justin: Oh Great Rider of the Giant Wave:

Three things:

1) Not to get weepy, but the readers of the semi-weekly tsunami miss El Diablo's updates and wonder where he will land?

2) Do you forsee Troy Glaus playing at all this year in light of your most recent article?

3) Given where the Cards are at coming out of spring training: would you take the over or under on St. Louis winning 90 games this year?

Joe Strauss: 1. Stay tuned.
2. Yes, but no time soon.
3. Under.

Mike: I understand the attraction of getting Schumaker's bat in the line-up and the added advantage of keeping another talented outfielder on the major league roster. But I'm skeptical about the experiment. Has he really improved his defense as dramatically as everyone is now saying or are we rationalizing the decision?

Joe Strauss: You're asking the guy who ripped the notion before camp. Schumaker has made remarkable progress, a credit to his own tenacity and the teaching ability of coaches Joe Pettini and Jose Oquendo. That said, TLR is refraining from calling the experiment a success. As recently as this morning he referred to it as an ongoing process and held out the potential for a Plan B. Skip has plenty of supporters inside and outside the clubhouse. But many of those rooting for him acknowledged the difference between playing before 4,000 in a make-believe game and before 40,000 under the lights in a nationally televised competition that counts. Regardless, Schumaker has done more with this opportunity than most, myself included, believed possible in such a short period.

Colossal Cards Fan: Do you think Rasmus will be on the opening day roster? Long live the tsumani!!

Joe Strauss: Raz' will be riding the warning track April 6, according to JSL!!!

Bob Turner: What ever happened to Mike Parisi? Is he hurt?

Joe Strauss: Parisi, 25, is recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery performed last August. He arrived in camp in great physical shape and has begun a throwing program. Parisi was 8-2 with a 3.86 ERA before promoted last summer. Before his injury, Parisi needed to improve his command, but I certainly wouldn't write him off.

drelboc: Hey Joe.

Ok, here we are just days from opening day. Its time for your preseason picks. Who are the six division winners in your mind Joe? Who will be the Wild Card teams? Rank the NL Central as you see it finishing and give the records of the NL CENTRAL. Name your Cy Young, MVP and Rookie of the year players.

Thanks a BUNCH Joe!

Joe Strauss: Why don't you just say, "Hey, ChatMeister, my stocks have taken a hit and my kid needs braces. How about some free money?" I'm setting up a Pay Pal account for all future "investment" advice. We'll talk then. But if you're looking for freebies, the picks you seek will be published in Sunday's special section. An illustration of El Hombre graces the cover. I'll go out on a limb and say the Cardinals have one of the three major award winners this season. I don't have the Philadelphia Phillies making the postseason or the New York Mets winning the NL East. (You'll have to wait for my opinion on the Birds, though I don't have them at 90 wins.)

Brian: Hey Joe,

it appears Rasmus is going to be with the team next Monday. There was a lot of talk about when he makes it, he'd be a full time starter. There was also talk about trading an outfielder during the offseason. With Ankiel and Ludwick deserving regular play ( until they show otherwise ) and with the apparant ( hopefully ) resurgence of Duncan, is Rasmus going to get much chance to play, assuming the other 3 get off to a solid start? Is something going to give, or if everyone's doing well, will time just be divided equally?

Joe Strauss: Outstanding question, since it's one the ChatMeister asked in a roundabout way this morning.
TLR said it's possible he would start three LH outfielders at the same time against some RH pitching. Obviously, that means time spread among the bunch. He also projected Ankiel as the predominant CF. Of course, how La Russa divides time between Duncan and Rasmus will become St. Louis' fourth major sport (no, I don't count soccer). Duncan is a power hitter. Rasmus is a 4- or 5-tool talent who is being asked to reach base and hit for average more than power. Situations will dictate.

PD in CA: Joe - I don't necessarily have a question as much as a comment. I've been a Cardinal fan for as many of my 51+ years I can remember, having grown up going to ball games and now living on the West Coast (thank you, God, for the internet!). As I read fans' comments following various articles on-line, I grow weary of those who constantly complain about our team, or the lack of Mo's movement or any other number of things. Ten Rings and counting, a rich history of great players, and a team that looks like it's back on track again this year. Sure there are weaknesses; sure, it would be nice to have some of those stars that signed elsewhere, but good grief, everyone, enjoy what the Cardinals have given us over the years, and cheer for the guys they put out there this year, instead of lamenting who we don't have, or what we didn't do. True fans may get frustrated here and there, but there are more important things in this life than whether or not the Cardinals win it all ever again. Out here in the Bay Area, four families lives were just turned upside down with the senseless killing of four Oakland police officers. Good grief! Just enjoy what we have, or find another team to complain about. (OK, I'll get off my soapbox. Thanks, and keep up the good work.)

Joe Strauss: Point taken. Thanks for writing.

Greg: Chatmeister,
Although I like the starting pitching depth the Cards have in the high minors (Boggs, Todd, Mortensen, Hawksworth, Walters, Ottavino, and Herron) none of those guys seems to be better than a #3 starter. If the team won't spend money on draft picks with big upside (the ever-debatable Kozma over Porcello pick) or on the big free agents, how are they going to get the next top of the rotation starter to pitch in the shadow of the arch?

Joe Strauss: Carpenter is signed through 2012; Wainwright is under contract through 2013 if the club assumes two options; Lohse is signed through 2012. If the Cardinals can find a No. 4 and a No. 5, they're OK for awhile, barring injuries. Carpenter, of course, is a huge, inescapable variable. Adam Ottavino turned some heads with his performance for Team Canada in the WBC. If the club doesn't screw up his mechanics again, he's got a solid shot. Walters already has been discussed. He's a pitch-maker. Mortensen was rushed to his detriment last season and may now be projected as a reliever. Hawksworth was drafted in 2001. He must make something happen soon. Herron, 22, hit a wall at Springfield last summer. Part of the celebrated 2005 draft class, he'll be scrutinized in his return to Double-A.

Johnny Hooker: El Diablo - glad to see the King of the Keyboard back before his subjects. It's been too long with no JSL! It appears Luis Perdomo is going to stick with the Gigantes. They're impressed with his 93-94 MPH heater and slider, a possible set-up man. So, help me here. What was the STL FO's rationale for giving Perdomo away by exposing him to the Rule 5 draft with space open on the 40-man? What's your take on the move and now having nothing to show for the Anthony Reyes to Cleveland deal? For a team coveting prospects, it doesn't make sense.

Joe Strauss: I recall writing the day of the Rule 5 that Perdomo's loss represented "at least a temporary embarrassment" to the organization. Strike the "temporary." Your memory is correct: The Cardinals left spots vacant on the 40-man when Perdomo was exposed. They also had promoted Matt Scherer, a big guy who doesn't throw particularly hard but who some in the organization believe has a projectable split-finger pitch. Others in the organization were frankly dumbfounded by his addition to the 40-man. To trade Reyes for nothing is a significant blunder, especially within an organization that loves complimenting itself for its player development.
The Cardinals will remind that they had to set their 40-man BEFORE the trade that sent Mark Worrell to the San Diego Padres for Khalil Greene. But the questionable addition of Scherer and the three vacancies left on the 40-man make the club's defense a tough sell.
They goofed.

D. Schmitt: Joe

With Bernie possibly having a midday slot at his new station, how about you being his co-pilot. That would be awesome!

Joe Strauss: Sayeth the ChatMeister: Show me the Money!!! Plus, as I've told the Big Dog, he goes through co-hosts like Elizabeth Taylor chews up husbands. Be comforted that many share your desire.

superseve: I'm happy that ST is almost over, but I'll miss the unique taste of the JSL!!! Tsunami from Florida! Words of the Chatmeister seem to blend perfectly with the warm weather, the hitters-gentle wind and the pouring rain.

Anyhow, let's go with a question: Perez is down in Memphis, Motte will probably start as the closer. Some people are upset, their faith in Perez was high (blame is of course in the cardinals brass). But, let's assume Motte does very well. What would be Perez future? Do you foresee a possible trade this year to bolster the team?

Thanks for taking my question, greetings from Italy!

GO CARDS!!!

Joe Strauss: Ryan Franklin is a pending free agent. Should he bolt, Perez has value as a RH set-up guy if he's not closing. If Perez is real deal, the Cardinals are operating from a position of strength. It's too early to declare Motte closer for life or Perez doomed to organizational Purgatory.

Lady Diablo: El Diablo,

1) When are you coming home?
2) An associate wants to know: If a player who still has options and is on the 40-man roster is sent to the Minor Leagues during spring training does the move count as an option?

Joe Strauss: St. Louis and the StraussHaus celebrates my return Sunday. Of course, by Wednesday I fully expect Lady Diablo to wonder aloud (and hopefully) when the ChatMeister is next leaving town.
A spring training move does count as an option. It is one reason the Cardinals have not made official their final roster move. Should a player be injured the last few days, a player would have to be recalled after his option had been spent. (A player loses only one option per year, but why burn one until absolutely necessary?)

Ryan Clark: Hey Gordo,

I am pleasantly surprised and cautiously optimistic about the Cardinals' starting rotation down in Jupiter. What I want to know is who do you think they would fall back on in case of an injury to the starting 5? Thanks for your time!

Joe Strauss: Gordo? Hey, man, this is Boardwalk. You're looking for Baltic Avenue. Next...

Glenn Turner: The Glaus injury sounds to be Rolen/Mulder like. Thankfully, we have a few options with promising young players at this spot. Mather/Freese/Wallace/Craig. If Wallace lights it up early do the Cardinals give a shot if Mather/Freese are struggling?

Joe Strauss: No.

mgentry517: Chatmeister, who will make the opening day roster out of Ryan, Barden, Thurston?

Joe Strauss: ChatMeister is doubling down on Thurston and Ryan.

legonate11: With David Freese as our opening day third baseman, does this mean that Brett Wallace will start the year at third in Memphis? He hasn't slowed much yet in his path through the minors, so it seems logical to keep him going and have him ready for next year if he's needed at third.

Joe Strauss: At last asking Wallace appeared headed back to Springfield.

Andrew: Heard on BBTN Phillies and possibly Cards interested in Sheffield. Any more detailed info? I felt Manny would be great but was priced out of team's budget. It seems team could have a RH power bat on bench for just $400K. Obviously team is packed with OFs and these guys need playing time. Having Sheff would allow team to package an OF or two for pitching. Would Cards sign him if it seems Cubs might be interested, too? Sort of an Yankee/Red Sox pre-emptive strike so to speak. Thanks.

Joe Strauss: I've categorically been told "no" on Sheffield.

BradV: TSUNMAI TIME!....Gotta Love it! I understand the importance of the long relief in April with only 1 day off, and the fact the SP's are struggling to get out of the 5th inning. So do you see a good chance Perez is called back up in May? Or maybe sooner if McClellan's struggles continue?

Joe Strauss: Absolutely. That would also be predicated on Perez pitching well at Memphis.

therealdealankiel: Chatmeister,

Several guys are going to get a chance to make an impact in 2009 and stick around, like Wainwright and Duncan in '06. Rasmus, Freese, Motte and Mather all figure to get a serious look in STL this year. What are some reasonable expectations for these 4 guys in 2009? If Freese proves to be a solid bat and glove, do you really put him on the back burner for the rest of 2009 merely to bring Glaus back in, who will inevitably be cold at the plate for at least a month before he heats up? Could Freese stick around as a RH bat off the bench?

Joe Strauss: There seems to be an assumption Glaus will be elsewhere next season. Freese can carve a niche for himself these next two months. It's unlikely, despite suggestions by the HPGF "hyperventilating prospect geek fraternity", that Wallace would be considered a viable option for a TLR-managed team before August 2010. Freese can play the position and has a power bat. Freese has yet to take a major-league at-bat that counts. Some of these questions can wait for, oh, at least a week or two.

amrhdc: The WAVE returns! Would you be so ever humble to answer my question, Posieden of the sea of red.

All the writers back in fall, in an attempt to lower the suicidal thoughts of the st. louis area, told us fans to wait for the offseason to end before we assess how everything went. And I know between now and then many things happened with the economy, but, may I also add, we did have the majority of our season ticket holders to come back again. So between the Lohse deal, lefty relief, 2b conversion, youngens up-rising (which is quickly spreading across STL sports), and the pitching debacle, what is your opinion about the cardinals offseason. Please keep the economies influence at a minimum if you can.

Thanks!
- A humble follower

Joe Strauss: Seems like you're begging the ChatMeister to lay a whuppin' on ownership's backside. To ask me to ignore the economy might be fun, but it's also irresponsible. The team is taking a fair share of PR hits about the way it handled the off-season. I'll be among the first to say the club appears vulnerable to injuries. But it's also a team coming off 86 wins with an upgrade at SS, LH relief and a returning CY Young Award winner who has looked outstanding for most of camp. We'll see how the 9th inning works out. At this point, it is what it is. Payroll is down and likely to stay that way. Either the minor-league system starts producing or the club is headed toward nuclear winter.

mgentry517: Chatmeister, I'm seeing 25 homers and 90 rbis from a healthy Lil Dunc. Have I overdosed on the Kool Aid?

Joe Strauss: That might be a little heavy only because a productive Raz' will cut into Little Dunc's opportunities. I agree Little Dunc offers significant upside this season, but part of his value may come off the bench.

marpdagn: Hey, Joe. Regarding Glaus, is mgmt worried at all that, even with a comeback in late May/early June, that Glaus' ability to drive the ball is gonna be compromised? Seems like the shoulder is one area that can really zap a guy's power, a la Scott Rolen. Also, what's your guess on whether the Cards sign Ankiel before he goes wading into the depths of free agency?

Joe Strauss: Rolen's shoulder issues were structural. Glaus' most recent condition is more muscle-related and not nearly as serious. But there are pre-existing conditions that complicate the matter. I expect Ankiel to file for free agency after the 2009 season.

Steveagolfer: Any chanch that the Cards will again be in Little Rock with a double A team? Arkansas is part of the "Nation"!!

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals own their Double-A affiliate in Springfield. Unless Springfield were to become their Triple-A team (unlikely) it's difficult to envision the move you suggest.

joham: Who do you think will start more games at second base for the Cardinals this year, Skip or "the field?"

Joe Strauss: Skip.

mitch: What do you think of the article in the Detroit Free Press written by Jon Paul Morosi that the Cards are working on a deal to get Ryan Rayburn? What do you think are the chances of that happening? Who do you think the Tigers are going to ask for? How does this change things for Friese, Schumaker, Mather, Ryan, Wallace etc.? Is this a direct response to the news on Glaus?

Joe Strauss: Raburn's talents seem to duplicate Joe Mather. He is a loser in the OF numbers game in Detroit but is young (cheap) and has potentially explosive power. If you like Raburn more than Mather, he would prove greater balance against LH pitching as well as potential for further development and a potential alternative should Ankiel defect after this season. Glaus was never going to be available for the season's first month. There's smoke. I expect to learn in the next couple hours if there's fire.

San Diego Paul: Dear Mr Strauss,
As a San Diego resident, the coverage of K. Greene has surprised me.
In San Diego, we have long recognized Greene as and excellent fielder and a streak hitter. His major problem was the frequency of injury, especially injuries to his hands. He would be hitting over 300, would suffer an injury (especially hand injuries), miss several weeks, and be a horrible hitter for months after returning from the injury. Do you think anything has changed for him in St. Louis?
San Diego Paul

Joe Strauss: He's trying to modify his hitting mechanics to become less pull-happy. Early results have been very encouraging. Greene is making much better contact. Simply put, he appears to have a clue. He is also healthy. There may be a connection.

leefyg: Hello sir - I ventured down to Jupiter from Kirksville, MO for the first (and hopefully not last) time. I was standing next to the dugout before the game when Brian Barton walked in. He was very polite, quiet and humble and signed several autographs. He was leaving when a 4 or so year old kid started calling his name, and Barton went up to him and received a card that had been made specifically for him. In the dugout, he took about 30 seconds to read the card. It was touching - I think I actually teared up. I feel like many sports figures would simply take the card and not give it a second glance. Do you have any stories about Barton's approach at life? I would love to hear more about my favorite player, and hope he gets a call-up.

Joe Strauss: My impression of Barton is that he's a thoughtful, intelligent guy capable of seeing beyond himself. Your story only confirms it. He's a guy who loves reading and traveling. He studied aerospace engineering at Miami and plans to obtain his degree before his career is done. He was a Rule 5 draftee who arrived in camp last February with obvious shortcomings and coming off a knee injury. Barton worked extremely hard to make himself a better defender and smarter hitter. Good guy.

Tony: Joe,

Do you see Carolina (-7) and UConn (-4) advancing with ease?

Tony

Joe Strauss: I'm on UNC and Sparty. You know where to send the residuals.

Business Associate of Lady Diablo: If the decision for the last bench spot comes down to Ryan and Barden, can you give us your feel for who will come north with the team on Sunday.

Joe Strauss: Ryan.

WillieMcGee4Ever: Great chat, as always. With Pagnozzi getting the standby slot in Memphis, where does that leave Anderson (i.e. how long until the trade)? Also, what are the odds on Hoffpauir ever improving enough on defense to be a viable asset? How close is he to getting the 4-A stamp, and is a position switch a possibility? Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Anderson's best shot appears with another organization. TLR clearly is more comfortable with Matt Pagnozzi as a No. 3 catcher. Anderson is a live bat but is not yet adept at calling a game or framing pitches. If Hoffpauir was in the organization's plans, this spring would have seemed to be the perfect opportunity for him. Yet he barely received any time. The 4-A tag appears to fit, at least in this organization's opinion. Hoffpauir's size makes him a tough fit anywhere else. Third base would seem to be a possibility, but his forte is not power.

Simon Bolliver: I know the Cardinal announcers got World Series rings in 2006. Did you, as a writer, also receive a ring? I saw one recently and they are real knockouts!

Joe Strauss: The scribes got a new press box. I'll take it.

grizzlybill: Love what you do! I'll keep it short. On a scale of 1-10 rate Schumakers transition to 2nd. Also look in your crystal ball and project Ludwicks numbers. Thanks from the die hard Cardinal fans here in Washington State.

Joe Strauss: Measured against expectations, I'd rate Schu an 8. That's not to say he's major-league average there. But he's given himself a chance. If Ludwick provides .275, 25-30 HR, 90-100 RBI, that would fit the team's needs. They're doable.

Brad: K-Mac had another terrible outing. He gave up 2 earned runs in one inning. Any chance that Tony does an about face and admit he made a mistake with sending Perez down and instead recall Perez and send M-Mac to AAA?

Joe Strauss: My sense is they're committed to their opening day 12.

SneakerPimp: Just to note: Ottavino played for team Italia, not Canada.

Joe Strauss: My bad. He dealt against Team Canada. The surname confused me. Thanks for paying attention.

Luke: Joe
I personally love what I have seen out out of Motte and Skip and I am not as much as a skeptic as everyone else. My question is with Reyes missing time because of the WBC (which I am a huge fan of)and Miller's physical showing some kind of problem that I assume was thought to be nothing serious, do you think our LH pitchers will be able to hold up through the whole year and allow the cards to have to have two good lefties in the pen or do you think that some point this year Ring and/or Manning will factor into the pen?
Hopefully NOT

Joe Strauss: There is reason for concern about two LH relievers who have thrown tons of games in recent years. Dennys (pronounced like the restaurant) Reyes may be vulnerable early this season because of his stop-and-start spring. Trever Miller accepted a lesser deal as a free agent because of red flags found in his team physical. Manning and Ring were originally projected as the two lefties. Now they're at Memphis as needed insurance.

thedudeminds: El Diablo,
1.If you were a betting man, would you bet that the Motte is in control of the closer spot, until he blows a couple consecutive save, or would you bet it will be by committee for a couple months?
2.Are you with me that Russ Springer's value to this team is underestimated, and his absence could leave a void in those firestopper situations?
3.Shouldn't we teach Schu-man to switch hit? I mean if you're going to learn to play second base, might as well go all out and learn that to. By the way, you should make fun of his tattoo next time you see him, for me.

Joe Strauss: IF I were a betting man, I'd say Motte has control over the closer role until he proves otherwise.
Springer was definitely underestimated as a fire-stopper. Josh Kinney will be given first crack at the role.
I would bag the switch-hit notion. But then again, I also dismissed Skip at second base. I'll leave it to you to address the tat.

Martin: Even in Indiana, home to rabid Cubs and Reds fans, the JSL!!! Tsunami can be felt, giving all of us loyal Cards fans in this barren state a taste of the Birds-on-Bats!

Chatmeister, I sense a lot of dissatisfaction among the online contingent of fans (at least those who frequent the comments section and the forums) with the front office over this past winter for moves made or not made. Can you rate, on a scale of 1-10, how well you feel that the front office did given all the "supposed" elements (read: financial collapse, etc.) that happened over this offseason?

Joe Strauss: My skepticism is well-documented. Read the archives. The best referendum awaits. It's called 162 games that count.

watjen: Joe--With the first pick in your fantasy baseball draft, who do you pick? Hanley Ramirez or El Hombre?

Joe Strauss: Please, take all fantasy questions to BirdLand.

Joe Strauss: Thanks for your interest. The game just ended (Cardinals lose) and word now comes that Glaus will not be re-evaluated until JUNE 1!!! The story doesn't end. Pick up tomorrow's P-D for additional reporting. We'll be going weekly with JSL!!! starting next Wednesday. For those of you frustrated that the ChatMeister didn't get to your question today, recycling is allowed. I'll be better next week. Thanks again.