Joe Strauss: From Mike Smith:

Hang in there, Chatheads. Joe Strauss is having computer difficulties, and is re-routing from Busch to the home office here on the scenic North side of downtown. The chat will begin soon.

Joe Strauss: Regretfully late due to technical difficulties. Without further ado, let's hop atop the Tsunami and dig into an opening week's worth of questions at JSL!!!

kat89447: I know Motte is taking the brunt for the loss on opening day, but he really was in good company. I thought Waino looked off and the guys on the field looked nervous. I do think that Izzy's locker should be banned from use by anyone this season especially a young closer type. How much importance do you really think should be placed on this opening day with such a high amount of rookies? Thanks

Joe Strauss: Opening Day was full of glitches before and during the game. It's usually the most scrutinized game of the season and blowing a 2-run ninth-inning lead is only going to feed the sharks skeptical of assigning a rookie the closer's role. It is one game. This ain't football, folks. If the same tendencies repeat, then it's OK to become concerned. Adam Wainwright is still trying to become more efficient. Josh Kinney and Trever Miller each had blemished performances. Motte allowed four consecutive LH hitters to reach with two outs. Bad loss. It's hard to make too much of any one ballgame. The Cardinals looked much better Tuesday and, surprise, the starting pitcher carried the game for seven innings and Pujols, Duncan and Molina homered. Despite what the talking heads may suggest, it's OK to wait a week or two before calling this a lost season.

Dave Laskarzewski: Albert Pujols is a player who comes along once in a generation. I know it's not my money but if it were, I'd have to consider upping the ante and bring in players like a Matt Holiday to support AP. This patchwork quilt-like philosophy -- trying out players at new positions -- feels a little cheesy and not at all like a serious effort to win now. (As opposed to 4 years from now when all the new talent in the pipeline matures.) I know you've heard it all before, Joe. Just not from me. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

Joe Strauss: Ultimately, the question will be how the organization weighs keeping Pujols versus maintaining a balanced payroll. If the club projects a $90-$100 million payroll three years from now, is it willing to commit 25-30 percent of that figure to one player. The success in developing from within (Rasmus, Jay, Motte, Perez, Todd, Mortensen, Boggs, etc.) may help dictate that answer. It's not an ideal model to put a player on a financial "island" much as happened with Alex Rodriguez in Texas. Of course, Pujols has stated his need to be surrounded by a competitive club. It's an interesting dynamic.

jealousblues: Can you explain the thought process behind the team carrying so many IFs this year?
Thats not a knock on TLR or the front office just wondering.
Do we expect at least one to be sent down eventually?

Thurston
Ryan
Barden
Freese
Skip

Joe Strauss: Eventually, the club hopes to decide on a predominant third baseman. At that point the need for three extra infielders may decrease, especially if Joe Mather heats up at Memphis. Mather's presence as a fourth or fifth outfielder also adds to depth at 3B. Skip is here for the duration. Barden is strong defensively. Freese offers power potential. Thurston hits LH and can play all over the field. Ryan is the only viable option at SS beyond Khalil Greene. Bottom line: La Russa wants to use this month to get a better feel for how the pieces fit. For now, 3B is a jump ball.