Joe Strauss: OK, folks, we're back following some minor technical glitches at Joe Strauss Live!!! (I know you find that absolutely shocking, as do I.) The team is on fire, playing not only winning but compelling baseball. Monday's win in Colorado may rank as one of the five most exciting at season's end. Tuesday's performance by Rick Ankiel was compelling to say the least. The team is in the bottom tier of the league in home runs but leads in on-base percentage. It sounds like Whitey Ball all over again. Judging by the reams of questions sitting here, this is going to be a busy hour or so.
TEASER: JSL!!! is poised for a technological breakthrough next Wednesday, when there is an excellent chance that the ChatMeister will be joined by GM John Mozeliak. You may address questions to the celebrity of your choice with the two of us opining, arguing or even agreeing on your topics. Barring scheduling issues, this should offer even more than the wildly popular back-to-back chats during spring training. Stay wired to this site and the P-D for more info.... Let's Get it On!!!

Chris: Greetings Chatmeister extraordinaire,

Is there a reason for Yadi's early season slump throwing out runners? Has it been the pitchers fault, or is he not in a groove yet? (hopefully that beautiful throw Sunday night from his knees will help turn the numbers around)

Also, I wonder if all of these walks Pujols is receiving is actually a good thing because over the course of the year he will take less swings which will put less strain on his elbow which will keep him healthier longer.- Your thoughts.

Joe Strauss: Your question has been asked several times this year of clubhouse types. Their explanation is that pitchers are not giving Molina the same chance against baserunners. In some cases, especially with the relievers, that is true. Because he is rushing or because of some other factor, Molina's throws have not sizzled as in years past. Sunday's was a powerful reminder of what he can do. The club insists there is no health issue; meanwhile, other teams appear increasingly willing to test him. As for Albert, El Hombre takes hundreds of swings a day in the cage and pre-game. I don't know if getting two or three fewer pitches to hit a game is going to significantly effect the status of his elbow.

Paul: Joe,
You took my question on Schumaker a couple weeks ago, and I am a big enough guy to admit that maybe I made a mistake calling Schumaker an experiment. So with that said, my question today focuses on Izzy, any chance he is really injured like in 2006 and just hiding it like he did then. I was at the game friday night, and 89 over the middle of the plate will not cut it in the majors. Triple A maybe, any chance we see Chris Perez or McClellan closing games if Izzy continues to struggle?

Joe Strauss: Izzy was sore, not broken, after working 12 of the team's first 24 games. Tuesday night you saw Franklin work a save situation after Izzy had saved the previous two. That struck me as an admission that he is to be handled more carefully. This team may have a chance to contend deep into the season. Chris Perez will not close for a contender, folks. McClellan may get a shot when available. I don't sense the same circumstances as in 2006. It's a maintenance issue more than a medical one at this point.

Kat: Joe,
How are the All Star Ballots decided when it comes to the names being on the ballot? I would have thought that Skip Shumaker would have been on ours, as he is our lead off hitter. Ideally it would have had Skip, Ludi, and Ankiel (save me the write in) but it would seem he would have been the automatic and either Duncan or Ludi would have been left off. Also, it's getting harder to watch talent sitting on the bench while Duncan is playing (badly) in LF and his hitting is in decline. I would rather give up the extra homeruns and get the extra RBIs and extra base hits Ludi provides as well as his defensive quality. I am tired of hearing about how Duncan did in the past, he just doesn't seem healthy and maybe he should go work out his issues in Memphis and bring up Mather for awhile. He's like a speed bump in the line up and looks like he is playing a whole different game out there than the rest of the guys.

Joe Strauss: All-Star nominations are submitted before spring training. No conspiracy there. If you recall, Skip didn't begin batting leadoff until the second week of exhibition games. Duncan is becoming an issue. His glove is what it is. He is a "minus" outfielder despite the manager's claims of him being "average at worst." But Duncan is in the lineup to hit. So far, his power is missing, and that is cause for concern as he returns from double hernia surgery. Duncan is having trouble elevating pitches, which may suggest his left (power) side is not fully recovered. He also attempted a swing change in spring training that may have complicated matters. The club retains options on Duncan, but there has been no public consideration of sending him out.

Donal F. Mahoney: I'm a white man who reads Alvin Reid in the St. Louis American. For awhile now, Alvin has maintained that Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa has either a tough time working with black ballplayers or simply does not like them. Over the years I've not known enough agree or disagree with Alvin. But now I have to wonder why LaRussa plays Duncan ahead of Barton. True, Duncan has power but is a klutz in the outfield. We are told that Barton cannot make throws from the outfield, but he seems to be able to catch. For me, it's beginning to look like maybe Alvin's got a case. Barton seems to be worth playing if only for his speed and his ability to hit singles and doubles. As long as first base is not an option for Duncan, he seems more a liability than anything else. If he were not the son of the pitching coach and if Barton were white, which one do you think LaRussa would play more often. Basically I like LaRussa for the same reasons I like
Bobby Knight. But after Monday night's game in Colorado and Duncan's two errors, I thought I'd ask your opinion as to whether Barton sits because he is black and Duncan plays because of his power potential and his status as the son of a coach?

Joe Strauss: Sorry for the delays, folks. This has become a technological... well, let's keep it G-rated. This question involves race, the Cardinals and allegations of nepotism... a St. Louis Molatov cocktail. I haven't read Mr. Reid's article. I don't know what his basis is for such a suggestion, if indeed you are paraphrasing him correctly. I do know those are loaded insinuations to make about a person, especially without confronting him first. What's the crutch for Brendan Ryan, since he is not playing as much as many would like? I don't get it. Is this Barton's belief? (I haven't heard that.) Barton is a righthanded hitter who plays mostly against lefts. Duncan is a lefthanded hitter who rarely sees lefts. Ankiel is considered an everyday player, as is Schumaker for the most part. If anyone wishes to debate Barton's playing time, weigh it against Ludwick or, when seeing LH pitching, against Schumaker. If you want to say Barton should be facing RH pitching rather than Duncan, fine. Make the case. To paint it as a racial issue is completely irresponsible.
And what difference does it make that you're a white man, Donald?
Yours is a very serious accusation without anything to support it other than disagreeing with the manager's use of a player. If you find more, feel free to write again.

Larry Harnly: How badly does a ball have to be botched to call an error? I refer to the two balls Alfonso Soriano failed to catch Friday. I know misjudged balls often are called hits, but I don't believe either of those failures qualifies. Who does the scoring in St. Louis? I hope they are not the homers they appeared on those two calls. Chicago pitchers should not have been penalized.

Joe Strauss: I feel your pain Larry. Soriano should have received at least one error Sunday, probably two. Hitters typically receive the benefit of the doubt from Busch scorers. (My saying: "There is no 'E' in Busch but there is an 'H.') Sunday's problem compounded itself after Soriano was left off the hook when he overran a pop up and whiffed on the catch. It's an error but was ruled a hit. His next gaffe was a more difficult play. But since the standard had already been set, there was no way of awarding an error unless the scorer corrected the first call. Scorers have a tough job. They catch heat from the home dugout and even, yes, from scribes (blush). The path of least resistance is to give away hits like Halloween candy. Hitters and fielders are happy. Only the pitcher stews. And, unlike hitters, if he gripes he comes off as a selfish player willing to throw his fielder under the bus. Scoring is an industry-wide issue. Three different men score games at Busch. All are qualified but it's a judgment job. Many of us perhaps hold major league fielders to a higher standard.

Dave Cobler: Hi Joe,
It appears more and more to me that TLR and Johnny Mo are in a delimma with the starting pitching. The logs are piling up, creating a dam with Mulders rehab time table coming to an end soon and Carpenter looming.
But is Mulder ready to come back? I'd hate to see deserving starting pitchers relagated to other rolls because of Mulders untimely return (if he is not ready)?
It could cause a distraction in the club house that takes the camaraderie/chemistry and the positive competition out of the mix that has developed amongst this current so called "underdog" staff. I believe these guys are rooting for each other and thats why I believe in part we have a "TEAM".
Do you agree with this assessment and if so, how do you think the Cards should go about their business to dislodge the logs justly so we do not lose what we have in the amiable clubhouse?

THANKS Joe! I enjoyed your views on FSN last night...GREAT SHOW!!!

Joe Strauss: OK, Dave. Your question elicits BREAKING NEWS from Cardinals camp.
Mulder is being shut down for 7-10 days because of what has been diagnosed as a "mild strain" of the rotator cuff. This is the same cuff twice surgically repaired the last two years. The club has recalled Mulder from his rehab assignment and will leave him on the disabled list. The club believes Mulder may return to a fresh rehab within 2-3 weeks, but at this point that may be optimistic. An additional shoulder strain (slight tear) is not for a pitcher who has had portions of the cuff shaved twice. Mulder's earliest ETA in St. Louis now appears to be late June. This can not be considered positive news.

Mike: Joe
thanks again for making yourself available for this forum. What do you make of Mozeliak's comments after watching Mulder pitch Monday, where he said "I feel that at times it lacked effort — or intensity may be the right word". If Mulder is not putting forth the effort, then why the heck are the Cardinals wasting their time with him? What are you hearing regarding his future?

Joe Strauss: It's not a matter of effort, but of performance. Mulder may not be experiencing "pain," but there is certainly something going on that is handicapping his command and limiting his velocity to 86-87 m.p.h. The Cardinals committed $11.5 million to him for 2007-08. A best case scenario would have him make about 15 starts for this team this season. It's very hard to defend a contract that increasingly looks like part of a front-office Thank You Tour following an unlikely World Series win. Mulder, Spiezio and Edmonds consumed $36 million for negligible return. Even Chris Carpenter, whose deal was certainly justifiable, has fallen under the jinx.

Brad: Hey Joe,

Enjoyed your analysis after Monday night's game on Cardinals Live! That has to be one of the best Cardinal wins this year. Rickey Horton is great and all, but he's no Joe!

My question regards Chris Duncan. I am a fan but if he can't get the power numbers going and he continues to play inconsistently in the field (ex: his performance Monday night) is he a trade consideration? Could he be packaged with A. Reyes or another pitcher? Based on Reyes being sent down and put back in the rotation in Memphis, it looks like he's getting traded for sure. What are your thoughts, oh pontificator of all things Cardinal?

Joe Strauss: Horton is a pro, loves the game and offers an upbeat tone most Cardinals fans appreciate. (The ChatMeister has been dubbed Joey Sunshine by the radio broadcast crew, almost as insulting as Jim "Mr. Bubbles" Hayes.) But thanks for the compliment. Question to you, Brad: If Duncan is not an appealing alternative to you (or his team) right now, why would another club offer anything the Cardinals want in return. Reyes' value is similarly diminished by his lack of visibility in April and the Cardinals' glass-half-empty view of him. I believe Reyes has made his last appearance in St. Louis. But I also thought that in spring training. Mo' is being unrealistic if he believes he can obtain anything more than an above-average prospect for Reyes. The window for dealing him for anything significant passed after the '06 World Series.

mcdao: It seems like Tony is a little hesitant to trust Russ Springer in pressure situations, probably with good reason.

I see that Chris Perez has been dominating down in Memphis with greater than 1 strikeout per inning, a low ERA, and already 8 saves.

Since he is our closer of the future, any chance we cut ties with Springer and give Perez a look?

Joe Strauss: In a word, N-O-W-A-Y.

Tom Napoli: Joe, I have a question regarding recently called up RHP Mike Parisi. I know his numbers throughout his time in the minors are not spectacular, but Duncan and many of the coaching staff in STL have a strong liking for the kid. He started off strong in Triple-A Memphis, and his ERA before being called up is a bit skewed because of his last outing against Salt Lake where he was knocked around. Prior to that, as I'm sure you're aware, Parisi was 2-1 with about a 2.75 ERA in 5 starts. However, to my question...

What do you think that STL has in store for the Cards' young right hander? Is it a 2 week thing and back to the minors because of Mulder getting ready, or might they consider Parisi to be a strong acquisition to the pen, with possibly having fill me in at the back end of the rotation if problems arise? Thanks for your time, Joe.

Joe Strauss: Parisi has moved past Reyes and, for some, Thompson. Parisi could find a home in long relief if the rotation remains as is. He's got a plus-curveball and appears to have improved command of his fastball. Many were expecting a breakout year from him entering spring training and Parisi has so far justified their faith.

Warren Jeffrey: Enjoye your answers to the many and varied questions.
I note that everyone is consistently high on Colby Rambus. However, his hitting is close to the Mendoza line. Could this be reminiscent of Blake Hawksworth? both were great in the low minors and had a real breakout at double A and great in the next spring training but seemed lost at triple A. Could it be disappointment at being sent down,confidence? Surely there is not that much difference in double and triple A. Your evaluation?

Joe Strauss: There is a huge difference between Double-A and Triple-A, especially for a 21-year-old hitter. Rasmus is now regularly facing pitchers who have pitched in the major leagues. He rarely saw the same at Springfield. To compare him with Hawksworth is a reach. Hawksworth is a pitcher whose career has been torpedoed by injuries. Look, I'm not on the same bandwagon as those ready to proclaim Rasmus the next Jim Edmonds, but his ability and aptitude are real. A player's first month at a higher classification is a tough yardstick.

Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,

A veritable plethora of queries for you today.

1. The Cardinal minor league system seems to have made a radical leap in quality. How did this happen so quickly? Were some of the previous ratings understated? I know the proof will be what these guys do when they get here but it is encouraging to see the sheer numbers.

2. Is Chris Duncan healthy? I know the Cards are not forthcoming in this area but his lack of driving the ball gives me pause. I can live with the adventures in the outfield when he is hitting. What does the Chatmeister surmise?

3. Ron Villone? That was my question when he signed. I must say that I have been quite impressed and wonder if this another example of Dave Duncan's influence? He has been automatic and I feel very confident when he enters the game.

4. What, besides making a sizable donation to ARF, does Adam Kennedy have to do to get in the lineup everyday?

As always, thanks for your responses.

Joe Strauss: The last several drafts have been an upgrade, particularly '05 when they enjoyed a bonanza of picks. Another subtle factor is the club's willingness to advance players at a faster pace than before. This sometimes requires releasing high draft picks (only 5 players, including Parisi, remain from the '04 draft class.) It's a more aggressive approach.

As for Duncan, I believe he's still diminished by last season's injury.

Villone has emerged as a valuable bullpen piece. The guy wants the ball every day and is unafraid of any matchup in any situation.

As for Kennedy, my vibe is that he's ready to sign the check if it gets him in there.

J.T.: Chatmeister,
I've noticed after reading this paper throughout the years that Aaron Miles seems to be quoted in stories quite regularly. He seems to be the player that gives all the obligatory "it was an all around effort" quotes. Is this a position he is assigned...is he the only one who will talk?

Joe Strauss: Miles is insightful, quotable and readily available after games. It is sometimes difficult for scribes on tight deadlines to babysit a locker waiting for a player to emerge 30-40 minutes after lifting, eating and showering. The club lags in player availability and fans like you pick up on it. It's not a matter of lazy media but player access. Because a guy doesn't manage three hits or make two assists from the warning track shouldn't mean he's not available for comment. It's what separates large market clubs that "get it" from teams concerned about a player giving an impolitic answer.

Rich (Sun Valley, ID): Joe, did I see what I thought I saw on Monday night? Was Pinero staring at Duncan in left field after his 2 errors, and was that the reason LaRussa jerked him? Odd that no one is talking about it-until now. Thanks for taking the question....

Joe Strauss: I wasn't in Colorado to ask (the ChatMeister will rejoin the team in Milwaukee) but the connection was made by several in local media. Pineiro was lifted from the game because he was ineffective. But TLR's trip to the mound did seem coincidental with Pineiro's look to left field.

Doug: I was wondering if there was any update on Matt Clement?
I haven't really heard anything about him lately. Is he still rehabbing and how close is he to the majors or is going to make it here?

Joe Strauss: Weekly Update: Clement's velocity still lags, procluding the team from sending him on a rehab assignment. He's not close.

Aaron: Chatmeister--

Always glad to have the Bitter Beat Guy field some questions...LIVE!!!!!!! Your insight is appreciated.

So what's your feeling on Ankiel? His cold streaks seem to last about twice as long as his hot streaks, but when he's on, he seems to carry the lineup. Unfortunately, his plate discipline and pitch recognition seem to fluctuate wildly. I know he's still a young hitter (if not a ballplayer), but do you think he'll evolve into a legit, steady, middle-of-the-order hitter?

Joe Strauss: I think Ankiel fits TLR's preference for a No. 2 hitter. In a perfect lineup, he would not be hitting cleanup. Games like Tuesday's reinforce how special a talent he is. Is he streaky? Absolutely. Most of the downturns have occurred on the road. As Ankiel's comfort level as a major-league hitter increases, so should his consistency. Remember, this is a guy with less than 400 major-league at-bats.

BradV: I need the all great and mighty Chatmeisters confirmation on something. Is it just me, or since the second game of the Cub series have the majority of Cardinal pitchers been pitching behind in the count? I have seen more 2-0 and 3-0 counts in the past 3 or 4 games, than I can remember seeing all season. Why do the pitchers not seem to be using the "Attack the Hitter" approach that got them the lowest ERA in the NL? It's very disheartening to see every pitcher that takes the mound, have so much trouble throwing a first pitch strike.

Joe Strauss: Your sample includes Wellemeyer's start Sunday and Pineiro on Monday. Looper was fine Tuesday night, pitching into the ninth inning. Wellemeyer is not known for his pitch efficiency. Pineiro has made only five starts and is averaging 80 pitches in 5 2/3 innings per outing. He's obviously not yet where he wants to be.

ESM01: Hello,

I was wondering if you could tell me why Skip Schumaker is not on the All-Star Ballot. I assume that only three nominees can be placed on the ballot per team, but Skip was the opening day starter so I would think he would be there.

Thanks for responding

Joe Strauss: Teams submit their candidates before spring training.

Tackleberry: JSL LIVE!(the last refuge for the persecuted superfan)

If this issue of shoulder "fatigue" ends up to be a serious one, and sidelines Mulder for any length of time, can we add this to the list of the worst free agent signings in Cardinal history? I was always a fan of Walt's, but between Mulder & Edmonds he left some stink on his reputation when he departed.

Also, would you say that this is likely Izzy's last year in a Cardinal uniform?

Joe Strauss: Since Mulder may make $11.5M without winning a game, I think his contract would be on the podium for worst "value" signs in franchise history. Edmonds was retained moreso by ownership than Jocketty. Walt shouldn't take the hit on that one. Izzy's status is a jump ball. Given a solid season, the club may approach him with a one-year deal plus a club option for 2010. Izzy would prefer to end his career here, for sure.

Big Tone...: O Great One,

Which was more improbable: Pujols' mad dash...or Yadi's amazing play Sunday night?

Joe Strauss: Neither. Nothing seemed more improbably than Jim Hayes riding shotgun with TLR in an open convertible during Opening Day festivities. Hayes' look of sheer delight rivaled that of a child who had just opened the perfect gift Christmas morning.

G Money: Glad we got to see Parisi pitch. He has a good fastball and nice curve. The broadcasters say his changeup is a work in progress. Two pitch pitchers scream bullpen guy to me. Is the development of the third pitch what keeps him from being a higher rated prospect?

Joe Strauss: Precisely. His curveball is outstanding. The change-up will likely dictate when and if he projects as a major league starter.

drelboc: CHATMEISTER:
My previous question was posted before Tuesdays game. I had to come back today to comment on Rick Ankiel's game last night. As an avid baseball and Cardinal fan for over 45 years, I have watched thousands of games in my life. NEVER have I seen a display of arm strength and accuracy put on by any player I have ever seen such as I saw from Ankiel last night.
My question is more of a comment of intrigue. Ankiel threw two strikes from "what" 300 feet or more last night...and he did it a couple of times last year if memory serves me right. Yet he can't throw a strike from 60'-6"...LOL...for the sake of games like last night I am glad he can't!! IT IS FUN BEING A CARDINAL FAN RIGHT NOW!!!
Do you know what the actual distance of those throws were last night? I'd sure love to know. I am still put in awe everytime I see those throws. They are "TRULY" as Mike Shannon loves to say "UNBEEEELIEVABLE"!!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH Joe!!

Joe Strauss: I usually prefer questions over Castro-length speeches, but I'm sure many Cardinals fans share your thoughts down to the comma, D'boc. I thought the same as you watching those throws, which could be safely pegged at 290-300 feet. Ankiel put two football field-length heaves into a bread box three years after he couldn't hit a catcher from 60'6". Amazing stuff. It says much about the current game when throws like Ankiel's stand out more than the incessant diet of 400' home runs we're fed on nightly highlights. To watch an outfield throw "hop" in flight is downright cool.

Michael B.: Mr. Joe,

I have 2 questions for you. First, in Gordo's Q & A session on Monday there were some question's about Michael Young of the Rangers being obtained to bat behind Sir Albert. Is he a Miguel Tejada type hitter or just another good player. The 4 spot must be an impact bat. If he could take that spot what type of deal would it take to get him? How about C. Duncan, Reyes, & Izturis for him?

Second question, a few weeks ago there was a comment about the good high school pitcher the Cards past on in last years draft. The comment was something along the lines of we would only get a couple of years of major league service out of him before he would be a free agent. Could you explain?

Joe Strauss: Young is a diminished player with an outsized contract that pays him $80M from 2009-13. He's NOT a cleanup hitter. He will turn 32 in October, meaning most of his contract is due after the typical shortstop peaks. I don't see the Cardinals wanting to deal players and assuming $16M a year in salary. Young's career high is 24 home runs. Last year he hit 9. Sure, Young has driven in more than 90 runs each of the last four years. But he's averaged 671 at-bats per season doing so. He has a career .348 on-base percentage. I don't see the value.

Rick Porcello signed a major-league contract with the Tigers that put him on their 40-man roster. He must be optioned each season, meaning he must be up with the parent club for good by 2011 or be subjected to waivers.

Elena from Chapel Hill: Hey, Joe. Time for my annual tonsorial question. I appreciated the updates you and your collegues gave on Izzy's new haircut a few days ago. I'm curious about Jason LaRue's long curls and Fu Manchu mustache--is he paying tribute to journeyman catcher Sal Fasano? I saw Sal catch Mike Hampton's minor league rehab start a week ago (he lasted 3 1/3 before he tweaked his booboo du jour) for the Richmond Braves at Durham Bulls. Sal was clean shaven, with close-cropped hair--perhaps a casualty of minor league anti-individualism rules. LaRue appears to be carrying on the look that Sal made famous. For those of us who live far from St Louis, there wasn't any chance to check out the look of the current team, before their first national broadcasts in the recent Cubs series. But with listening to Mike Shannon call games on radio via computer, and reading the postgame descriptions and analysis from you, Joe, and your colleagues, who needs TV?

Joe Strauss: First, Fidel. Now, Evita. Your thoughts have been catalogued for posterity, Elena.
I appreciate your newspaper sentiment, a contrast to a broadcast booster boy in Baltimore who once exclaimed on air, "Put down the paper and turn up the volume!!!" Feh.

Jeff Krause: Hey Joe Just want to run this by you. If we do get a surplus of pitching and we need to move an outfielder what about tradinig for prospects to replace the guys who are close to making it to the big leagues. I would like to see an impact bat but there just isn't anyone out there other michael young worth looking at. I would rather keep the team the young and bring up either mather or rasmus as the impact bat everybody is looking for. Maybe get a lefty reliever and prospects to replenish the minor league teams what do think.

Joe Strauss: Frankly, if Mulder isn't coming back anytime soon and Clement remains a project, I have a difficult time seeing any surplus of pitching. I believe many within the organization agree with your line of thinking, Jeff.

George: JSL,

What milestone will occur first:

Mark Mulder wins 20 games as a Cardinal or Chris Duncan wins a gold glove as an outfielder?

Thanks,

George

Joe Strauss: Flagrant foul: Sarcasm. Fifteen yards and loss of down.

Dave: It's my birthday, and being on JSL!! would be the best birthday present this 28 yr old could ask for!

I am curious as to your opinion on fans short leashes when it comes to their hometown players and managers. Do you think fantasy baseball has done a disservice to how we feel about the total team package? It seems to me people feel a sense of entitlement because they 'own' this player or that player and when they hit a slump, or do something the casual fantasy fan doesn't agree with they call for their hide!

As a previously mentioned recent 28 yr old, I was maybe too young to really see the animosity of adult fans when I was younger. So which is it? Was I just blinded by youthful adoration of the Cardinals, or are things getting worse?

Thanks Joe, keep up the fantastic work. Between Graham Watson and you I think the Stl P-D has two rare gems!

Joe Strauss: JSL!!! loves nothing more than making wishes come true (except to that vocal minority who would prefer to see the ChatMeister consigned to cyberPurgatory). You're 28 and consumed by fantasy baseball? Hmmm. Oh, wait. You're anti-fantasy. I think the biggest disservice fantasy has caused is a lack of appreciate to aspects of the game other than hitting. If a player doesn't hit 25 home runs or drives in 80, he is perceived to carry little value. Conduct overall has eroded in recent years. "Who cares if my obscenity spoils your kid's good time? I paid for my grossly overpriced seat (and five beers) so I'm entitled to act out." Like you, I look forward to Graham's advance of Mizzou's '08 scheduling Amen Corner: Nevada, Buffalo and Southeast Missouri.

curtis: Joe Strauss,

I noticed in last night's game, and a few others (Pittsburg for example) that the mascot was in the stands behind home plate in the 9th with the game on the line doing rediculous things on virtually every pitch to distract the pitcher. Is this considered acceptable, especially given how umps won't allow any distraction in center to distract the batter?

Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister is not a mascot guy. (But a big fan of the Fish girls at Marlins home games.) And JSL!!! is certainly not a fan of some dinosaur-like creature making a fool of itself (redundant, I know) while Ryan Franklin is working the ninth inning. I'd feel the same way if FredBird was spasming behind the Busch Stadium backstop. It's class-less, and I suspect the Cardinals may make an inquiry before tonight's game. This ain't WWF, or even NBA. Shut up and play the game!!!

Chris G.: Hey Joe,

With Mo announcing his desire to land a RH impact bat for the team what kind of package would the Cards have to assemble to land a Jason Bay or Michael Young? Would a package of Duncan, Reyes, Thompson, Anderson, and another prospect get us there?

Thanks Joe!

Joe Strauss: Substitute Garcia for Reyes or Thompson and you might have something for Bay.

Jeff Krause: Bring back the old website layout, this new one SUCKS!!!! way to much crap going on, terrible white background that gives you a headache. Help Joe, I think I'm going blind!!!

Joe Strauss: Such liberal use of exclamation points should be reserved only for true emergencies and homage to JSL!!! Seek medical attention immediately.

Steve: Joe,

Given the play of the current outfielders, would a trade package starting with Rasmus, and Anderson be sufficient to pry Han-Ram from Florida? Even if we could; should we?

JSL Rules!!!

Thanks

Joe Strauss: I'm not a Hanley Ramirez guy. He's a Roto player... lots of mostly empty stats and a minus defender. Think Alfonso Soriano at short. Others would surely disagree. I don't think the Marlins would bite on your trade proposal. Anderson has limited trade value.

Mr. Duncan: What's going on with Mark Mulder? Is he just rusty from missing so much time or have all the surgeries diminished what he was? I like Mulder, I want to see him do well, but will he back and effective in St. Louis?

Also, with all the bad news on Mulder, what's to say Carpenter won't go down the same path? Is there any news on him?

Joe Strauss: There's no question Mulder is diminished. All of us want to see Mulder return. He's a good guy, a plus golfer and once tied for the major league lead in wins for a five-year span. What's not to like? But shoulders are different than elbows. The success rate for Tommy John surgery is better than 95 percent. Shoulders are 65-70 percent. Matt Morris was never the same after his shoulder bit him. I fear the same for Mulder. Carpenter continues to progress nicely...

Dustin: The Chat MANG!

Wasn't Kennedy originally supposed to be our #2 hitter last year? If I remember correctly it didn't work out and Juan Encarnacion was put there and that too never worked. It looks like things are finally working our for Kennedy and LaRussa!

Joe Strauss: I would agree, though Kennedy would like more opportunities against LHP. So far he's a transformed player who has remade his swing.

Thomas: While being 'marooned' on the West Coast your chats are a life line to the Cardinals. I look forward to them every week. I've observed that in almost every series this season writers are saying the team that the Cards are playing are in a slump without giving much credit the the outstanding jobs the players and coaches are doing. Granted they haven't played contenders yet, except Chicago , but can EVERYONE be in a slump?!? Do you think the Cards deserve more credit for what they'eve accomplished so far?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals have benefited from a soft early schedule, to be sure. But for many other teams, the Cardinals were thought to be a soft spot this year as well. The Redbirds are currently in a stretch where they play 32 of 51 on the road through June 29. If they emerge within two games of first place or 8 games above .500, they should be considered legitimate. Until then, the doubters continue to have the floor.

Creston: Great to be back the show, hopefully. Today my question is about the call up of Parisi. I understand that he was called up as insurance in case Pinero was unable to make his scheduled start and that was his day to throw in the Memphis rotation anyhow. This all makes great sense, but I am curious why Motte or Perez, both with bright futures as possible closers, have not received a call up after Parisi's insurance outing. With the struggles Izzy has had lately and the shakiness Franklin has demonstrated, why not begin the introduction to one of these guys who are viewed as the setup and closer of the future???

Thanks for letting me participate in your chat today, always enjoy a good, heavy dose of JSL on a cloudy day.

Joe Strauss: TLR is reluctant to expose a rookie at shortstop or as a closer. Perez and Motte are short relievers. With Thompson on the DL and Reyes in the minors, the club needs a long guy. Parisi fits that need. If any youngsters gets a shot, it will be McClellan who closes on those days when Izzy is unavailable.

Concerned Cardinal Outfield Prospects: Chatmeister,
Thank goodness for Wednesday and with that JSL! is here. Still early, but if Skip can keep the average at .290 plus and obp at .360 plus do you see it possible to have Rasmus and Skip on the same team or even in the same lineup next year? Also does the organization see Barton's future as an every day player or as an extra outfielder or too soon to tell?

Joe Strauss: Skip would appear most vulnerable when Rasmus ascends. It's too early to make a read on Barton, but it is safe to say his defense must improve in order for the Cardinals to view him as a 9-inning rather than a 6- or 7-inning talent. At some point, the Cardinals are going to have to add power, especially if Duncan is compromised. Any lineup with Skip and Raz' would necessitate Duncan's absence, I believe. Certainly, there is momentum for a deal, but next year is a long way off.

Gabe: I know you tire of proposed trades from the fan base and it's to early to talk trade but wanted to get your thoughts. Has COL locked up Atkins to a long term deal or will he be a FA next yr? If COL has not and has difficulty trying, would a swap of Glaus for Atkins or possibly Glaus for CWS Crede improve our offense? Atkins is probably wishful thinking but he is a legit #4 hitter. Crede reminds me of a poor mans Rolen and if I am not mistaken, is fromt he STL area. He appears healthy this year and when he was healthy in the past, was a pretty good hitter.

Joe Strauss: Crede is a pending free agent. Atkins is arbitration-eligible for two more years. If you like Atkins more than Glaus, and Atkins is cheaper, why would the Rockies want to do that deal? Crede is an interesting name and is on pace for 127 RBI this season. If not for him and Carlos Quinten, the Sox might average negative runs per game. Glaus is signed next season for $11.25M. I would expect to see him here Opening Day.

Joshua: With Glaus continuing to struggle at night with his vision, do you see it possible that Ryan could begin seeing starts at 3rd base for night games? I know Glaus is getting paid quite a bit, but if he can't solve the vision problem it seems at some point we have to address that issue by using someone else at third.

Joe Strauss: Ryan would be the next option at 3B but I don't think the Glaus situation is that dire.

Jerry Muncy: St. Louis just demoted Reyes to Memphis and replaced him with Parisi. They then disabled Schere (sp?) and replaced him with two pitchers from Springfield. Doesn't that mean that Memphis now has 26 on its active roster? Can they have that many? If not then who will leave Memphis to get their roster back to 25?

Joe Strauss: Matt Scherer is on the 7-day DL as is Joe Rogers. Mark Mulder does (did) not count against their roster limit since he was on rehab. The Redbirds currently carry 12 active pitchers. Mike Sillman and Cliff Politte also are on the Memphis DL. Memphis carries a 24-man roster. Jaime Garcia and P.J. Walters were the two arms promoted from Springfield.

Joe Strauss: Once again, it's time for the lowest point of the week as JSL!!! shuts down for another seven days. We went long this week because of the techno-glitches but hope to have everything in better order for next week's hoped-for throwdown with Mo'. Check your P-D and this site for updates. Outstanding questions this week and I'm sure the tsunami will again be waiting for whoever's on board next Wednesday. Thanks again for participating. Your involvement makes JSL!!! rock.