Joe Strauss: All right, tsunami-riding ChatHeads. Everybody Up!!! for the third regular-season edition of Joe Strauss Live!!! I hope all of you can tear yourself away from the non-stop analysis of the Rams' 2008 schedule to endure 60, 90 or even 120 minutes of talk about the local first-place nine. Far be it to criticize the local 75 cent publication, but doesn't it seem priorities are a little skewed when there's a poster-sized schedule of a team preparing to exercise the draft's No. 2 overall pick and the ChatMeister is ONLY stripped across the TOP OF THE PAGE!!! How about tease to the Rams' schedule (4-12, realistic; 5-11, optimistic; 6-10, seek counseling for Kool-Aid addiction) while poster-sizing the ChatMeister!!! Give the people what they want!!! Oh, well, without further delay, let's dive into hardcore analysis of the NL Central's dominant team du jour.

Will L: JSL!!! Always love reading the Q+A.

First off, I'm glad to see the cards off to a solid start. My question has to deal with Kyle Lohse. I know its early but my feelings are that we need to lock him up for 3 maybe 4 years. Give him 30 million with some escalators and get rid of Clement. I know Clement can be nasty, but he hasnt been healthy and Lohse is a solid workhorse that is tearing lineups up NOW.

What is your view on this?

Joe Strauss: Is this Scott Boras appearing under a pseudonym? Lohse has pitched three games after signing a one-year, $4.25 million deal. He's an innings-eater regarded as something of an underachiever. His demo fits neatly with those who have improved under Papa Dunc'. But let's wait until at least, oh, the end of May before we start telling ownership to open up the vault. Clement is making progress in Jupiter but is still weeks away from meaningful competition. I'll grant you this: The Lohse signing was a solid stroke by John Mozeliak. He slow-played the market and found value. Remember how this works the next time the bonfire-and-pitchforks crowd is screaming to give some career 68-79 pitcher $10 million per for four years.

Scott: I know the Cardinals are looking for a bat behind Albert, and for three years or so I have thought about Ken Griffey JR. Can he be had?

Joe Strauss: Griffey is in the final year of a deal that pays him $12.5 million this season plus a $4 million buyout if the club does not exercise his option for '09. A healthy Griffey would be interesting but you're assuming several things... 1. He stays healthy, 2. The club does not want to promote Colby Rasmus near the trade deadline, 3. The Cardinals are in contention, 4. The Cardinals are willing to part with one of their current five. It's interesting Roto talk but I don't see it happening unless the Reds were suddenly willing to pay a division rival to take its marketing centerpiece off its hands. Doubtful.

Nathan: I think the Cardinals need more production from the middle infield, and I doubt they'll get it from the combination of Izturis, Kennedy and Miles. At last look, they're all batting around .220. Any chance of prying Brian Roberts loose from Baltimore? He seems to be a durable and productive player, who can steal some bases. Will we see Hoffpauir, currently playing 2B at Memphis, in St. Louis this year? It appears he's off to a fast start, batting .371 w/ an .896 OPS as of April 14. What's the status on Brendan Ryan and will he have a spot in St. Louis when he's healthy?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals have long had interest in Roberts, due $6.3 million this year and $8 million next. The Cardinals also owe Adam Kennedy $3.5 million this season and $4 million next. I'd say $20 million for two years is a lot to pay for second base unless you can find a taker for Kennedy and his contract. I do believe the Cardinals are amassing enough pieces to broker a significant trade, but the Orioles remain one of the most difficult teams to deal with because of a dysfunctional structure.
Hoffpauir is again hitting well but he is tagged as a limited defensive player. He can't play anywhere else, which is also a strike unless you count him as an everyday player.
Ryan is due to arrive in Springfield any day to continue his rehab assignment. A place on the roster depends on who TLR believes more valuable: Ryan or Rico Washington.

Derek in San Francisco: Joe,
Thanks for fielding my question last week regarding Duncan. I went to the games this past weekend and paid attention to Duncan. He saw the ball really well Saturday. I understand we've got him locked in for a while, and it makes sense to keep him, but where and when do we play him? He even butchered a ball on Sunday at 1B that Pujols likely handles. Also, Ryan Ludwick deserves more playing time. He was clutch, hit the ball hard, and handles RF pretty well.

Joe Strauss: Always glad to make a ChatHead's week. It's a good problem when playing time becomes an issue among five productive players. Agreed, Duncan has struggled so far with a hamstring problem but he's lifted his average to .310 and has taken almost as many walks (6) as strikeouts (7). Ludwick has homered in his last three starts. Schumaker is en fuego. Barton remains intriguing and Ankiel leads the team in home run and RBI while re-surfacing above .300 last night. This bunch is ownership's dream: five guys making a total $2.65M or so accounting for 29 of the team's 64 RBI and 34 of its 66 runs. As for Dunc's defense at 1B... he's no Gold Glover but El Hombre, who is, whiffed on a ball last Saturday that cost Jason Isringhausen a save.

DAVE COBLER: Hello Joe;
The Cards are intertaining so far because they are competing very well. The problem with that is the more they compete the greater hope for expectations arise. Do you think this club of mix and match ball players can sustain the driving energy and performance they have shown to contend in this division over the long haul? Or do you see the front office making a deal(s) later in the year to form a set lineup that has more of a presence for Pujols sake?

Joe; I am glad you work for the PD. It is a real treat to pick the brain of the best in the business through these chats. It is also great to get to see and hear you on TV. Thank you for taking the time to be apart of my day!

Joe Strauss: Dave has mastered the art of having his question addressed by appropriately recognizing the host.
Class, take note.
I never think it's a problem to raise expectations, especially when a club bases its budget on 3.2 million attendance. TLR is among the best at creating favorable (though sometimes unconventional) match-ups during a season. Remember, this club won 100 games in 2005 despite rampant injuries among position players. (Winning an ERA title didn't hurt.) The Cardinals have appeared overmatched by Wandy Rodriguez, Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum but repeatedly shown an ability to rip into opposing bullpens. Critique TLR hitting the pitcher eighth but also recognize what he squeezes from his entire roster.

Mike M.: Greetings, Joe!!

Ted Simmons. Hall of Famer via the Veteran's Committee? Why or why not?

Love the chat!!

Mike M.

Joe Strauss: It's unbelievable Simmons fell off the HOF ballot after one year of eligibility. (The same might be said about Albert Belle in 2006.) I'm fairly confident Simmons one day will gain election through the Veterans Committee. His numbers are comparable or surpass those of Gary Carter and I'm stumped to think of a more deserving catcher not enshrined. Simmons may suffer from small-market bias, since his career was spent in St. Louis Milwaukee and with a horrid Atlanta team. His time should come.

Will L: JSL!!

What do you think about a possible long term outfield for next year and beyond with:
RF: Ankiel
LF: Mather/Duncan
CF: Rasmus

Power and speed, what you think?

Joe Strauss: You may get your wish, sir. Mather is not a finished project, however. He has RH power but can't be considered a given. Barton is still a developing player and Schumaker is potentially a true leadoff hitter. It is intriguing. And do you add a mercenary, veteran enforcer to the mix?

Catman: O Chatmeister,

With the Cardinal's surprising start (c'mon Joe, you're surprised!)and the potential return of Mulder and Carp, do you still believe that this team is destined to be at or near the cellar of the NL Central at the end of this season?
Finally, do you predict that Anthony Reyes will be traded within the next 2-3 months or become a successful long reliever for this team? Thanks O Pessimistic One!

Joe Strauss: As I recall, the ChatMeister painted a rather optimistic picture as the team broke camp by citing its improved play after the signing of Lohse. Perhaps it is the Catman who is a glass-three-quarters-empty guy. The rotation remains a question because of its questionable ability to produce innings and, frankly, because no one other than Wainwright has recently won more than 12 games recently. Mulder is a huge variable... again. If fit, he allows the club to make a legitimate claim as a late-season factor. I guess you can call me pessimistic -- because you already have -- but the 3.12 team ERA is likely to rise, putting more pressure on a lineup that is producing less than five runs per game despite a .272 average. I'm not bearish, just a little slower onto the bandwagon.

Ken Wilson: Joe,

With a number of pitchers expected to return to the Cards later this year do you think it's wise to immediately place them in the starting rotation? Case in point. This past Sunday TLR choose to start Joel Pinero ahead of Brad Thompson. Admitedly, Pinero looked fine the first few innings before a few timely hits and some poor defense did the Cards in. I'm just wondering why TLR and Duncan wouldn't have wanted to see Pinero in a game situation first.

Joe Strauss: TLR admittedly expected more and some within the organization concede Pineiro would have been better served making a second rehab start at Springfield or Memphis. I don't know how TLR or Dunc' could have witnessed Pineiro in a game situation short of taking a Pat Riley-type leave of absence to check out a minor league game. They relied on Pineiro and the Memphis coaching staff. However, Joel's performance against AAA New Orleans failed to translate last Sunday. He didn't miss many bats and his defense missed several opportunities to pick him up. Give him another two starts before pressing the Official Sports Talk Panic Button.

Tim: Just kind of a thought here waht do you think?

Duncan and a prospect for Bay
Kennedy Reyes Anderson Garcia for Roberts
Start working out Hoffpauir as a SS
When ready bring up Rasmus

Roberts 2B
Rasmus CF
Pujols 1B
Ankiel RF
Glaus 3B
Bay LF
Molina C
Pitcher
Hoffpauir SS

Joe Strauss: Apparently 10-4 doesn't have everyone excited. Somebody within the mob of folks clamoring for Raz' needs to educate the ChatMeister on how a 21-year-old guy hitting .192 at Triple-A should be shouldering a guy like Schumaker off the 40-man roster. Let Rasmus develop for at least four months at Memphis (remember, Ankiel was there until last Aug. 9) before anointing him. He's gonna get here. But let's first see him achieve success where's he at now... OK, my blood pressure's back down... Next.

Jeremy: Good afternoon sir,

Where is Brian Barton? I know TLR doesn't like to play rookies, but hasn't this guy proved he can hit? I realize that they are deep in the outfield, and that he is unpolished in the field. But doesn't he deserve more playing time than he is receiving?

Joe Strauss: I don't know how much any player can prove in 20 at-bats. Barton has proven he's an exciting but unpolished talent who made the club on merit. His defense keeps him off the field in late innings. The Cardinals haven't lost with him in the starting lineup. Agreed. And watching him hit behind Schumaker last Friday was exciting. But for a lineup short on power, having both in the same lineup strikes some, including TLR, as a luxury.

randy prater: Hey Chatmeister Supremeo

I'm sure the question of the moment has to do with the possibility of aquiring an impact bat to hit behind Albert. Are there any that are actually being shopped by other clubs this early, and if so, is management zeroing in on any likely candidates?

Joe Strauss: April is an extremely difficult month in which to acquire a front-of-the-rotation starter or a middle-of-the-order hitter. Teams rarely want to send that type of message to a fan base. Give it another month and we will have some names for you.

zimmy: hey

Ok so I understand the concept of the pitcher hitting 8th, since you get the double leadoff batters. BUT why not have 2 leadoff hitters at the top , Ank @ 3 and just move pujols to the cleanup spot & Glaus at 5( since thats where he likes to hit anyway)wouldn't that seem to solve some problems?

Joe Strauss: Now that you mention it... yes, it would.

Kevin Weber: Watching the gamecast yesterday it showed that Reyes was hitting 95-96 on the radar gun... Is that really true?

Joe Strauss: Reyes has touched 95 in three different parks (Minute Maid, AT&T and Busch) in the last week. I believe it, which is one of the biggest reasons for excitement in the season's first 2 1/2 weeks.

Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,

While it is still very early, it appears to me that the NL Central will not be the weak sister of the baseball world this year. What is your guess on the number of wins that it will take to secure the title?

Also, please compare and contrast the vibe in the locker room this year versus last year. Who, if anyone is emerging as a leader?

As always, your responses are appreciated. I hope the powers that be at the PD realize what a juggernaut they have unleashed with JSL and are compensating accordingly.

Joe Strauss: I have seen power polls projecting the Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals among the league's top five teams at present. The Astros and Pirates are seriously flawed; the Reds are a wild card. But I agree you can make a case that 3-5 teams are improved. (JSL!!! is down on the Astros.) I'm looking at 90 wins to win the division, up from last season's early projection of 87. An improved clubhouse mood was palpable during spring training. Regardless of whose side you believed, the TLR-Rolen rift was a toxin that created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Though not outwardly hostile to TLR, Jim Edmonds also suspected it was time to go. As one team member suggested in March, there are fewer "bad apples" so far this season.

John in Houston: Hi Joe....who goes down when Springer comes back?

Joe Strauss: TLR is a McClellan believer. Anthony Reyes now resembles a power arm who could spot start, if needed. The combination of those two puts Brad Thompson in peril.

theblindhomer: Mr. Chatmeister,

As I write this, I am sure that Bud Selig's minions are putting the big red "REJECTED" on the Cardinals' application to expand their active roster to 26. Given that, and the impending return of Russ Springer, the musical chairs once again start in the clubhouse.

This time, however, the decision is not as easy as shipping out Kelvin Jimenez. Likely candidates include two guys that have done the job so far: Local boy Kyle McClellan and the resurgent Anthony Reyes.

What does the Chatmeister's crystal ball say about this? Who gets their ticket to somewhere else?

Joe Strauss: Asked and answered, TBH.

Larry Harnly: I don't remember reading any quotes from Juan Encarnacion since his injury. Have attempts been made to reach him? Is he not talking? Is there any chance his vision could be corrected? Where is he living, and what is he doing?

Joe Strauss: Encarnacion has been incommunicado. He continues to see a specialist in Boston but recently changed his cell phone number, putting him out of touch even to former teammates. His vision has improved incrementally but is nowhere near what it must be to revive his career. The hope is his left eye will one day allow him to drive without a problem. Anything more would border on miraculous. Juan E. has a home in South Florida and in the Dominican Republic.

Catman: O Chatmeister,

It is possible that Matt Clement's career could be over or he'll return and be ineffective. Is there anything in his contract that would allow the Cardinals to release him if he doesn't return before Sept 1 without paying him his full salary?

Joe Strauss: Clement is guaranteed $1.5 million, rain, shine or injury. The structure of his contract indicates there is nothing guaranteed about his future.

irksomenat: What does Brad Thompson have to do to earn a consistent starting shot ?


Many claim mistreatment of pitchers by the cards' staff - from the Ankiel blowup to the fragile psyche of Anthony Reyes and many points before and since. I generally disagree but I am somewhat confused as to the handling of Brad Thompson. This is an impressive kid , from his minor league success to his performance in his sporadic and multi-themed jobs with the big club. The kid pitches just like the org. , and particularly Duncan, wants him to - low in the zone and "to contact" - yet he doesn't seem to have had the type of consistent and numerous chances that others , like Reyes, have. Once again the kid was pulled from the rotation after doing little to earn the demotion. Piniero was roughed up (he being the one to push Thompson out of the rotation) and Tony even alluded to his not being quite ready. Shouldn't Piniero have had to do a little long relief 1st ?

Joe Strauss: Thompson has become the Cardinals' Rubber-Band Man, bouncing from St. Louis to Memphis and from starting to relief. Thompson much prefers starting and would like the opporunity to put together a string of starts. He could get that at Triple-A Memphis, which would also spend his final option. Thompson is a trade possibility should the entire complement of injured pitchers return. He has value. The Cardinals have won 14 of Thompson's last 19 starts but he is still strugging to reverse the perception created by last season's .301 opponents batting average and 23 home runs allowed. He may have more value elsewhere.

theimpossibleemu: When in doubt ask the great JSL. My question has to do with a players arm strength. Eck had to put his entire body into a throw in order to get it across the infield while a guy like Izturis puts half the effort into the same throw but has twice the velocity. What makes this possible? Is it just a matter of upper body strength, could Eck of put a little more work in the weight room in order to increase his arm strength, or does it have more to do with genetics than work ethic? Clement is apparently trying to build back his arm strength so couldn't a infielder/outfielder do the same physical drills in order to build their own arm strength up? All answers can be found at the shrine of Pope JSL I.

Joe Strauss: There are reasons why some people throw 97 mph and others max out at 82. You can either run fast or you can't. You are either blessed with a powerful arm or you are not. The Cardinals helped Eckstein improve his arm strength after his arrival in 2005 but he will never be major-league average in that department. To compensate, an infielder can work on footwork, positioning and release time.

Troy Kingery: O' wise and powerful chatmeister - as well as all of our hurlers have been performing, who gets sent down when Springer is ready? What happens when Mulder is back in 3-4 weeks? I know you keep saying it will work itself out, but it's starting to get to decision time and nobody needs sent down for fine-tuning and nobody has else has gotten hurt.

Joe Strauss: I already addressed Springer's return. Mulder's return will put pressure on Todd Wellemeyer's spot in the rotation and K. McClellan's spot in the bullpen.

steve: Joe,

Is Brian Anderson althetic enough to play second base?

Joe Strauss: The idea does not have legs within the Cardinals' player development system. Except for Craig Biggio, a former leadoff hitter, a catcher-to-2B move is extremely unusual.

Steve: When Matt Morris returned from Tommy John surgery in mid-season, the Cards put him in the bullpen for the remainder of the year. Are the Cards thinking about taking the same approach with Carpenter?

Joe Strauss: Yes, they are...

DoubleDown11: The dealer is getting mad as I wait to decide on whether to hit on 13 as she shows four...

With Anthony Reyes' emergence in the bullpen role and his increased velocity in short bursts, has the organization given any thought that he could be the primary set-up guy or future closer after Isringhausen's departure? Granted, he hasn't exactly been put in a position to fail by coming in to start an inning, but it's an intriguing, early development, especially with Chris Perez in the wings...

DoubleDown11

Joe Strauss: Reyes needs to show the capacity to pitch on consecutive days and, according to some within the organization, still must improve command of his fastball.
If you hit that 13 you're going to chafe the rest of the table.

Chris: Why is Ryan Ludwick not getting more playing time? He is smashing the ball!

Joe Strauss: He's perceived as a guy with holes who can do serious damage against hard-throwers. (He struck out 167 times at Toledo in '06). That said, 52 of his 117 hits last season went for extra bases. Eight of this year's 12 hits have gone for extras. He's a high-reward guy who seems to get mucho breaking stuff in big situations. Ludwick has a significant role on this team but also has the reputation of a hitter who can become exposed. That's your answer.

Will: Why is Dave Duncan given so much credit for the pitchers helps, but never criticized for the mistakes he has made? I hear the play by play guys talk about how Anthony Reyes velocity is up pitching out of the pen. I don't think that it has anything to do with that. In the minors Reyes consistantly pitched mid 90s as a starter. When he was first called up to the majors he had the good velocity. In the one hitter against the White Sox he hit 96 a few times. Duncan changed his delivery to help him get ground balls, and it was a mistake. Reyes is not a ground ball pitcher. Someone needs to tell Duncan he was wrong and let Reyes return to the rotation pitching his way.

Joe Strauss: I think you just did, Will. However, Chris Carpenter cites Duncan as a huge factor in winning a Cy Young. Adam Wainwright does in his precocious development as a starter after becoming an effective closer. Todd Wellemeyer is a big believer, too. I'm not sure any pitching coach's philosophy squares with everyone, but it's hard to argue with the success numerous previously marginal or injured pitchers (Bottenfield, Stewart, Williams, Carpenter, Suppan, etc.) have had during their time under Dunc.' Sure, Reyes remains a sort point. But be fair.

Jeff N: Hey docmeister... err ... ahhh Joe, any word on Albert's wrist.... is he OK? Any word on Mulder's velocity? And when Springer comes back who goes down? I await your diagnosis and prescription. Thanks.

Joe Strauss: El Hombre's wrist, sore but playable. Mulder's velocity, topped at 89 but consistently around 86. Springer, previously discussed.
My diagnosis is heavy weekly doses of JSL!!! will make you a more knowledgeable fan and hitting the board will make you the centerpiece of your next social gathering. Enjoy!!!

MW: First time mailer, long time reader, great to be on JLS!!!

Thanks for the vine Joe. Would you say it best to temper our early season enthusiasm, especially regarding the pitching staff. I recall similar success ealry last year

Joe Strauss: Quoting TLR: "Enjoy the moment." You recall correctly.

And, sir, if you wish to return to the board, please note: IT'S JSL!!!

It's a tough week when you misspell initials. Can there be any doubt the Missouri secondary school system is in crisis?

Chaddy: The Cards have already made it known that we need another bat. The tigers have already made it known that they need pitching. Considering Leyland and TLR relationship, could anything happen? thanks man!10-4 WHOO!!!

Joe Strauss: The Tigers are having problems scoring runs. If anything, they may be adding a bat. (Did someone say "Barry Bonds?")

BradV: It seems updates on the progress of Matt Clement have come to a halt. Is he making any strides forward in his rehab, and if so, how soon before we see him in a minor league start? Should we not be holding our breath on Clement making any type of impact this season?

Joe Strauss: He's still building arm strength but is likely to remain in extended spring for another 10-15 days. Barring complications, he would then go on a rehab, putting his possible return at the third week in May.

Kacy: Chatmeister,

At this point in the season, what are the Cards biggest needs? Who do you see them going after in a trade?

Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Look, the Roto trade talk is almost baseless at this stage of the season. However, an understated need is for another LH reliever, and that is something that could happen sooner than later.

Jack: Your Highness of Chatdom,

On a one-to-ten scale, with one being "utterly amazed" and ten being "saw-it-coming," how would you rate the Cardinals start and why do you rate it as you do? Thanks and remember "keep chatting."

Joe Strauss: I'd give it a 4. Translation: I'm impressed even though the team came together well during the last 3 weeks of camp. I'm pleasantly surprised by the starting pitching, the overall defense (a C-plus, but certainly better than during camp) and the outfield's productivity. It's only 14 games as we speak, less than a furlong within a 1 3/8 mile race. (Which reminds me: Disregard Pyro's 10th place finish in the Blue Grass. He's the ChatMeister's Derby horse.)

Creston: Is it realistic that Reyes stays in the bullpen and becomes a career reliever, possibly transitioning into a setup and eventually a closer role? He has thrived in his new role and we have seen his true potential these past 2 weeks. I like him setting up, or possibly the Joba treatment??? They are remarkebly similar, they even wear their hats the same........

Joe Strauss: Nice comparison. It appears Anthony is buying into the role and none other than Jason Isringhausen speculated last Saturday that Reyes may be better at relieving than starting because fewer factors are involved. Show me more!!!

Rob Halford: O Great One, Your presence among us is more than we deserve.
Please tell me that what I am seeing from Cardinal pitching is not a mirage...that this staff is acutally good...and may get better.

Joe Strauss: April is made for mirages. (See: Florida Marlins.) I'm not saying it's going to last, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying what you're seeing. If Pineiro and Mulder are solid, the mirage becomes more real.

mike k: Joe
Your time spent in these chats is much appreciated.
Is the increase in Reyes velocity due to change in mechanics, more reliance on his 4 seamer, or that in 1-2 inning stints he can let if fly without pacing himself for 6+ innings?
Have you changed your opinion that he will be dealt soon?
Thanks

Joe Strauss: D: All of the above.
The Philadelphia Phillies have tracked the Cardinals from Houston to San Francisco to St. Louis. They are in need of pitching and almost dealt for Reyes last July. There's smoke...

Dan: If the Cardinals keep this up, you have to think that they will try to upgrade at shortstop or 2nd base, right?

What about Cristian Guzman? If the Nationals fall out of contention, they would have to consider trading him since he would be a FA... any chance the Cardinals would pick him up either in a trade this year or in the offseason as a free agent? He's a pretty good shortstop that would be a good #2 hitter in this lineup, and he's good defensively. We should upgrade at short and Guzman would be a good option, in my opinion.

Thoughts?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals are high on Izturis right now. His defense is improving as he has reversed some bad habits that began during his last two seasons as a part-time player. He's hitting only .222 but owns a .391 on-base percentage due to eight walks, second only to Pujols. I don't see the Cardinals giving up on Izturis barring the sudden availability of an impact bat at the position.

Dave: Do you see Izzy on the Cardinals roster next year?

Joe Strauss: An excellent question. I doubt the club will pursue him with more than a one-year offer plus an option. Stay tuned. I don't envision the team turning over its closer role to Chris Perez in '09, if that helps.

Jeff: Chatmeister -

Given LaRussa's success at playing left handed Mike Squires at third base with the Sox, would he consider Ankiel at shortstop if Izturis doesn't improve? That strong arm would be excellent from deep in the hole, and it would let us bring up Rasmus to start his big league career as our centerfielder.

Joe Strauss: Look out, the DEA may be closing in on you, Jeff.

Grant: Does Tyler Greene have any chance at all of pushing for playing time this year by September? Or will he even make it to Memphis by then?

Joe Strauss: Tyler Greene needs to dial it up. His future within the organization is anything but certain.

Brett Abernathy: Hey Joe,

Hey Joe I'm a longtime Cardinal fan who appreciates your column while living in Houston Texas.

My question is with all of the potential trade surplus, aside from Bay and Griffey who seem to be mentioned a lot, who could the Cardinals be looking at in terms of a power hitting outfielder to bat somewhere behind Albert and which Cardinal outfielders could/would be part of a future deal.

Thanks in advance...

ba

Joe Strauss: The most likely trade scenario is for the Cardinals to acquire someone capable of hitting 5-6 in the order. A guy like Greg Norton might be more doable. Here's the rub: It's difficult to find an impact bat who's a middle infielder. Realistically, it's hard to find roster room if Rasmus is promoted barring a trade or Schumaker or Duncan. Another more remote possibility is dealing with the Cleveland Indians to gain flexibility with Brian Barton, who could be optioned to make room for a veteran hitter before being restored to the roster in September. It's a reach.

Joe Strauss: That's going to have to do it for this week. The clubhouse is ready to open as the Birds prepare for the Milwaukee Brewers. Once again, the volume and the content of questions has been impressive, no doubt inspired by today's Sports section front. Feel free to post questions during the week as well as on the day of chat. We'll get into more specific names in weeks ahead when discussing deals. Right now, that kind of stuff is pure Fantasy Baseball. And as regulars here know, JSL!!! is all about reality. Stay tuned: "I'm a ChatHead," "I Hit the Board at JSL!!!" and "Chat's Where It's At" bumper stickers and buttons should hit stores later this month. Later...