Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up!!! Hours before the second-most anticipated event of the day, Chris Carpenter's return from the DL, ChatHeads can now revel in THE most anticipated event of the sports week: Joe Strauss Live!!! Carp back on the mound, Rick Ankiel back in the outfield, Michael Vick out of the big house... it's a Tsunami of activity for all of you to discuss. The Cardinals have yet to finalize roster moves to clear roster room for Carp' and Ankiel, but consideration is being given to placing Khalil Greene on the DL. Otherwise, Sugar Shane Robinson appears most vulnerable. The Cardinals are leaning toward making moves with two position players, returning to a 13-pitcher alignment. Enough of the tease, let's get to what's on your mind and FULL-CONTACT JSL!!!

Tackleberry: JSL (Tsunami of Worried Cards Fans Edition)
In examining the rest of baseball, it would seem that most the successful teams have a troika of proven talent headlining their offense. The Cubbies (Ramierez, Soriano, Lee), the Yankees (A-Rod, Texeria, Jeter), the Mets (Wright, Beltran, Reyes), etc. And while all these teams might not be getting the "bang" from that troika (see the Angels) they have managed to insulate their young players so that they feel comfortable and aren't pressing at the plate (Nick Green BoSox, Theriot Cubs, Morlaes Angels). The Cardinals need that third prong. This team is too Pujols-heavy right now on offense, but how do you change that? Let's develop players, because it does makes sense, but not at the cost of abandoning the need for time-tested talent.

P.S. Ankiel isn't time-tested talent, neither is Duncan.

Joe Strauss: I hear your pain, T'Man. Interestingly, two of the three teams you mentioned failed to make the postseason last year. It makes more sense to have three dominant starting pitchers (or at least No. 1-2 quality types) than high-salaried offensive players. Jeter is arguably the game's most overpaid position player. Beltran is a fabulous talent who manages to vanish along with many of his gifted teammates at crunch time. Derrek Lee is believed in serious decline by most baseball people. Pujols and Ludwick offered better production than any NL tandem last season. There is a good chance either Ankiel (a pending free agent) or Rasmus can develop into an impact everyday player. The Cardinals need to get healthy. Your concerns weren't heard too often last season when the Cardinals led the league in hitting and ranked fourth in runs scored. Chris Duncan is a potential impact hitter when surrounded by productive personnel. Right now he's struggling as the only proven power deterrent in the lineup beyond Pujols. To be blunt, the Cardinals have been incredibly vulnerable the last 10 days.

Aloha Barndog: Good morning,
I've just read about K. Greene physically punishing himself, and that players were alarmed by his actions.
Please tell us what KG has physically done to himself?
Thank you!

Joe Strauss: I think it's enough to describe his condition as anxiety-related. It manifests itself in self-abuse. He is seeking help. I'm not sure graphic details of his condition advance anything. Safe to say, last year's punch of a trunk in San Diego is a symptom.

BerniesAlwaysRight: El Diablo,

It's my understanding that during Spring Training the Cardinals brought former MLB pitcher Mike Marshall into spring training and had him lecture the organization's pitching coaches regarding proper mechanics. As you are probably aware, Marshall has developed a "revolutionary" pitching philosophy that met with a lot of skepticism in baseball circles.

I recently read a story from the Springfield News-Leader indicating that the Cardinals had signed one of Marshall's students, a 28 year old "prospect" named Joe Williams who has been out of professional baseball since 2005, and assigned him to Spingfield. The decision to sign this pitcher was made by Jeff Luhnow. In reading many of Mr. Luhnow's interviews, I have repeatedly seen him make reference to his attention to "classic mechanics." I was hoping you could answer the following:

Are the Cardinals, as an organization, embracing Mike Marshall's pitching philosophy?

Is Joe Williams a test-case regarding a possible decision in this direction?

Why was Mike Marshall brought into Cardinals' camp to lecture to the organization's pitching coaches?

Any insight appreciated.

Joe Strauss: Your information is correct and represents an obvious split between player development and the major-league staff. Marshall has been seeking audiences with numerous major-league organizations trying to regain a toe-hold in the industry. A former colleague at the P-D has been working on a tome with Marshall. The Williams signing caught the attention of many in the system and served as a reminder that pitching philosophies are becoming increasingly factionalized. The "classic mechanics" was tested on Adam Ottavino last year with less than positive results. Others in the system believe the concept has value. Minor league pitching instructor Brent Strom also has ideas considered unconventional by many. To the Kool-Aid drinkers, this has little meaning. But to those with eyes wide open, it's an example of an organization operating on different pages writing different chapters.

Aaron B: Joe - It's always nice seeing the wave cresting in NYC! Two questions this week:

1. What are your early impressions of Colby Rasmus? Is there a reasonable chance that he will live up to his billing as a premium, 5-Tool prospect?

2. Looking ahead to 2010 (no, I have not given up on 2009!) when over $35 million comes off the payroll (Glaus, Pineiro, Green, Wellemeyer, Kennedy...), where will the Cardinals reinvest the dollars? I'm assuming that Boggs will fill one of the open rotation spots.

Thank you.

Joe Strauss: Rasmus is 22 and still developing. He projects as a power hitter who will likely strike out frequently and work to hit around .280. Right now he is often exposed by LH pitching. Rasmus fields his position well. He has plus speed and could project as a 15-20 steal guy. Of his five tools, his arm has so far been least impressive. It's looked average but the expectation was for more. Rasmus, however, appears to be doing more with increased exposure, a very good sign.
As for next winter, a starting pitcher, at least two relievers, a short-term third baseman and a RH-hitting outfielder likely will be needed (assuming Ankiel defects as a free agent). Some of what happens will be dependent on who is managing the club.