Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up for an in-game edition of JSL!!! Something tells the ChatMeister that traffic may be down a little this week as many subscribers catch the Harang-Looper matchup. Understood. But many of you already weighed in with some solid questions relating to the team and its 17-11 start. Let's see: The Chicago Cubs hit town Friday with the two teams separated by no more than a game in the standings. Not bad. Mark Mulder just completed a disappointing rehab start at Memphis. (More on that later.) But before the second inning concludes, Let's Get It On!!!

Kevin in California: Hi Joe,
It does appear the cardinals will have players to trade and probibly in pitching which are generally good bargaining chips. Problem seems to be what/who the organization would want- top flight AAA prospects? Current power hitter(???)- The possibilities are many but I can't read the tea leaves yet...What is your instincts here? Any possibility of a blockbuster? Any more Will Clarks out there?
Thanks,
Kevin in Ca.

Joe Strauss: Much is predicated on who's in and who's out in June and July, who are pending free agents and who has younger players pushing for a major-league spot. As you remember, Will Clark was a not a blockbuster move when the Cardinals acquired him from the Orioles in 2000. I don't believe the Cardinals are equipped to engage in a "blockbuster" unless they are willing to part with Colby Rasmus, Jaime Garcia, Chris Perez, etc. The asking price for pending free agents often goes down deeper into the season, but right now it's very difficult to project a match. The Braves continue to scout the Cardinals heavily and the Los Angeles Angels have had a recent presence. It is still too early to assume the Cardinals will be "buyers" but I'm sure the topic will percolate all summer.

Larry Harnly: Is Nomar Garciaparra the role model for Skip Schumacher? Or does he need new batting gloves? How long has Schumacher had this habit of refastening his batting gloves before each pitch?

Joe Strauss: Schumaker's habit is minor-league compared to Garciaparra's obsessive-compulsive batter's box routine. Schu stays in the box and doesn't dramatically effect the game's flow. It's a way of refocusing. I have a tough time hanging in there for Nomar's routine, which challenges Sergio Garcia's re-grip for the most annoying in sports.

Matt & Mike: Sir Chat-

It has come to our attention that Kyle Lohse is projecting to have a great year while making "Number 3 in the rotation" money. As he is represented by Scott Boras and their hope this past offseason was in the 5-year-10-million-per range, we see a looming issue.

The question: Would Mo consider a deadline deal for an impact bat or a stable full of prospects, rather than letting Lohse walk at the end of the year? Any potential trade partners come to mind?

We'll hang up and listen.

Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Lohse ideally fits as a No. 3 on a contending team. Scott Boras typically counsels his players to seek free agency rather than sign an extension before filing. The approach put him at odds with Alex Rodriguez. No question Boras' handling of Lohse's contract cost the player serious jack last winter. Carlos Silva was the only SP to receive a multi-year deal as a free agent. Boras attempted to secure $10 million per year for Lohse and failed, leaving his client only a one-year option here. Lohse seems genuinely appreciative of what Dave Duncan and Marty Mason have helped him accomplish. They have simplified the game for him by present Lohse a detailed game plan that fits his capabilities. I could envision a scenario in which the club would approach the player around the All-Star break if things continue to go well. If the season falls apart, Lohse and Braden Looper are obvious trading chips. But right now those two guys are helping the Cardinals surprise.

Harvey Watson: HEWie: My major knock on LaRussa is that too often he chooses originality over proven percentage baseball. Batting Ludwick leadoff has to be one of his worst gaffes (4 strikeouts). Why would he choose the slower & right-handed Ludwick over the speedier and left-handed Schumaker against a right-handed pitcher like Arroyo? Can Barry Weinberg treat his brain cramp so he won't do it again?

Joe Strauss: TLR admitted the idea didn't exactly work out well and suggested there would be no repeat. The Reds have several LH relievers, which may have contributed to him putting Ludwick up in the order over Schumaker. Arroyo also had allowed six home runs entering Monday's start. But, yes, it did appear like a reach. I can't speak to Weinberg's treatment of the manager since the club no longer makes medical and training staff available to answer media inquiries.