Joe Strauss: All right. Everybody up. Since I've ripped you off on the front end the last couple weeks we'll get started a little early this time. Because I'm starting early, be prepared if I leave before 1 p.m. to catch some World Poker Tour highlights. Otherwise, "Let's get it on."

Larry: Joe...are the Cardinals paying the price for their policy of not negotiating on players contract until after the season? Case in point, Jeff Suppan. I believe Jeff would have taken a three year, $24 Million contract that the Cardinals offered after the season, if they would have done so during Spring Training 2006. Waiting until after the season, the Cardinals lost one of the leaders in the rotation, that could have helped the transition of Wainwright and Reyes, beside having a solid starting pitcher. The case could also be made with Renteria not having a contract before his final season as well.

Joe Strauss: It's an excellent point. I think your estimate regarding Suppan is a reasonable one. I believe the issue is how the Cardinals perceived him. Remember, at the time Chris Carpenter was still working for a bargain. The club failed to re-open his deal until last December at the winter meetings. Because of it, management was reluctant to give a teammate a more lucrative deal than a pitching coming off a Cy Young season. I suggested last winter that the club should re-open Carpenter's deal then, not only to reward him but to create a bench-mark for future negotiations. The suggestion didn't play well within the front office. I understand fiscal responsibility. I don't accuse the organization of being "cheap" regarding payroll. But part of cost certainty is establishing reasonable parameters. Carpenter's contract prior to last December was not a reasonable parameter. The Cardinals made an attempt to extend Renteria before his walk season. It didn't work out. As I remember, there weren't a whole lot of complaints after 2005, when David Eckstein was an All-Star and Renteria cratered in Boston. Again, good question.

Steve Tanner: I am along time Cardinal fan, and this is the first
year I can ever remember not getting excited to wat-
ch a game, they are so bad, Stlouis fans are just not
used to this, guess we have been spoiled. what must
the birds do to put a competitve team back out on the
field.. Thank you. Steve

Joe Strauss: First, your are spoiled. Second, you should be. If the club markets its public as "Baseball's Best Fans," then it should put a highly competitive product on the field, especially given the level of ticket prices and its full-court press on sponsors. I've said in this forum before that the club was prepared to "blow up" this team if it washed out in the Division Series against San Diego. It didn't. And it became fashionable to believe what happened in October was more indicative of the team's strength than the previous four months. The situation became more volatile given the failure to land another signature starting pitcher. When Carpenter went down, I said publicly the season was toast if he didn't return in timely fashion. Don't call me Nostradamus yet, but I see little reason to change that opinion.

bz: It may be a little early, but what would your input be in a discussion of the Cardinals being sellers at the trade deadline?

More specifically, would you completely rule out the possibility of going after Andruw Jones in the off season?

Joe Strauss: I think it's possible the Cardinals could be sellers if they are not at .500 near the deadline. But you should remember that Carpenter and Mark Mulder are expected to return around that time. Management and ownership will have an interesting question unless this team has already answered decidedly in the negative. Do you gamble on acquiring an impact. pending free agent hitter (or starter), or start shedding in anticipation of a winter overhaul. Interestingly, Jason Isringhausen may have significant value if he continues to pitch well. The club holds an option on him for next season. KEY POINT: Isringhausen, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds possess the service time or contractual leverage to block any deals. Andruw Jones better dial it up. His offensive woes are as severe as what the Cardinals' core is experiencing.

boyerbros: Joe, barring injuries and given the average stats Scott Rolen puts up offensively and defensively on a yearly basis when healthy, do you think he was on track for Hall of Fame type recognition down the road, granted he had the longevity that factors in to HOF credentials.

And from there: Where do you stand with Scott in general at this time?... with his critics in high gear, calling for a trade, demanding he go on the DL, calling for a drop in the batting order, etc....Thanks, john

Joe Strauss: I definitely think Rolen is on a Hall of Fame track. If healthy, he stands a good chance to reach 400 home runs and 1,500 RBI, threshhold numbers for the HOF. I don't know if Rolen, 32, sees himself playing into his late 30s, though. Repeating injuries could challenge his candidacy. He is the best defensive third baseman I've ever covered (Ripken included) and may be the best I've ever seen (B. Robinson, D. Money, M. Schmidt, T. Pendleton). Rolen's offensive numbers are well-chronicled. I think legitimate questions remain about his comfort level playing for this organization with this manager. That, too, isn't news.

Scott Cloud: I know this is a loaded question but realistically, How far are the young prospects from contributing at the major league level? this is critical as the Cards are showing their age this season.

Secondly, Does Tony LaRussa want to manage a young team that will have obvious growing pains or will he retire and let someone else take over?

Joe Strauss: It depends on organizational philosophy. I don't see much help given the longstanding win-now attitude which St. Louis fans have come to expect. If there is a dramatic reversal, I still don't see much impact at Triple-A. Talents such Colby Rasmus (20), Bryan Anderson (20), Chris Perez (21) and Jonathan Jay (22) are '08 arrivals at the earliest. (I'm intrigued by Perez.) Blake Hawksworth could conceivably get a look later this season. Rick Ankiel will get here this summer, sooner than September if the club decides to begin deconstructing. This is a year the Cardinals required depth, especially among starting pitching. It is lacking at the upper levels.

Brian: Hi Joe,

Lately I been hearing about the possibility of the Cardianals trading Rolen. If they do trade him and he waives his no trade cluase, would the Cardinals get any good prospects in return or would it be more about salary relief? I hope that the Cardinals would not have to eat any of his salary.

Joe Strauss: Those rumors began on the West Coast. To my knowledge, the club has yet to solicit offers for him. As stated before, Rolen has no-trade leverage and a healthy contract. I don't believe the Cardinals would eat part of his salary to move him if a trade ever became a possibility. The Dodgers and Padres are shopping for a third baseman. There may be smoke there, but no fire - yet.

Jeff T. in Columbia, MO: Joe,

With Kip Wells seeming to regress with every start at what point does he get replaced in the rotation by Ryan Franklin or Troy Cate or really anyone else we might find anywhere? Or do you think maybe we should all just delude ourselves into thinking Dave Duncan can rescue any pitcher on the face of the Earth and give Kip a little more time?

Jeff in Columbia, MO

Joe Strauss: Cate is starting at Memphis. Franklin has the potential to start in St. Louis. I don't think anyone believes that Dave Duncan can heal any pitcher by laying hands on his arm. (See: Tomko, Marquis.) But he has a better chance than any other pitching coach I've covered, a list that includes highly-respected men like Leo Mazzone and Ray Miller. The Cardinals committed to Wells by giving him $4 million and failing to secure another proven major-league starter last winter. It's still too early to expect other clubs to trade (good) pitching. Unless Wells improves, the Cardinals are stuck for the time being.

Mark: Why is there so much dislike of Gary Pinkel? I know some people had expected more the last two years, but Mizzou has basically been competive even in losses the last few years. Have people forgot the losses by 8 to 10 touchdowns, when you knew they had no chance even before the game started? I think people need to cut him some slack, the program has come a long way in seven years and if the state would rally behind the program it could move to the next level.

Joe Strauss: Excuse me, sir. We only discuss baseball and major college football programs that play on or after New Year's Day here.

Lillian Jayne: Hello, If the Cardinals want to develop young players, why have they not offered arbitration to most of their own free agents, in the last several years? This is a good way to get extra high draft picks and restock your minor league system. Several teams do this why not the Cardinals?

Joe Strauss: They fear the players will accept.

Todd L: DO YOU THINK THE CARDS WOULD BE INTERESTED IN JOSH TOWER OF THE BLUEJAYS WHO CAN BE HAD FOR A LOW MINOR LEAGUER THE RUMOR MILL SAYS.......AND HOW IS CHRIS PEREZ AND JOHN JAY DOING IN THE MINORS....THANKS JOE

Joe Strauss: I discussed Perez and Jay earlier. Both have significant upside, according to folks inside and outside the organization. I'm not sure of the other question, but whatever it is, Josh Towers is not the answer.

Joe: What would the possibility of the Cards going after someone like Ichiro be? He could serve as a capable leadoff hitter for Pujols to knock in and is the type of defender the Cards need in the outfield. This would also give the Cardinals the flexibility to not resign Eckstein and possibly let Ryan have a shot at SS. Would that even be on the Cards radar, or are they going to be super-tight with their money again?

Joe Strauss: Ichiro is one of the most charismatic talents in the game. But he is also worth his weight in platinum to the Seattle Mariners. My understanding is that Ichiro, a pending free agent, is not a fan of Mgr. Mike Hargrove. We'll see how that factors in any future decision. But I find it difficult to envision the Cardinals coming up with the cash to separate Ichiro from the Mariners or any other club hoping to enhance its position within the Pacific Rim, either from a marketing or player procurement standpoint. Given how this season is tracking, I find it difficult to believe the Cardinals will be "super tight" next winter.

LARRY HARNLY: Walt Jocketty made four key decisions during the offseason.
1. signed Kip Wells to become a starter.
2. moved Braden Looper into the starting rotation.
3. re-signed Jim Edmonds.
4. signed Adam Kennedy to play second base.
Hindsight is perfect, but how many of those decision do you think Jocketty would make today?


Larry Harnly, Springfield, Ill.

Joe Strauss: Walt made those decisions based largely on the advice of others. I can't speak for the GM, but the Edmonds' signing surprised many (including Edmonds) at the time. Looper remains a positive in his new role. I thought Kennedy an obvious fit and remember many marveling at the Cardinals acquiring him for below market value. The Cardinals gambled on Wells. I doubt they would double down right now.

STEVE H: Joe,
I was watching the game last night and saw Wellemeyer pitch and when he has his control he can throw pretty hard and can be effective. The Cardinals have needed a hard thrower in the pen who can get a key strikeout. Do you see him as being this type of pitcher for them as he gains experience under Duncan? Also, it has been said Anthony Reyes has shown signs of improvement even though he still remains winless. Do you agree he is getting even better and do you see him as still being the type of pitcher the Cardinals had envisioned? Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Wellemeyer had success against the Cardinals. He also can crank it up. Both factors made him appealing here. Should he become effective and develop better command, I could see him freeing up Franklin for a possible audition within the rotation. Either one of those moves is far off. Reyes has a better understanding of how to pitch than most his age. He deserves better than his record. However, I believe he would agree that consistency remains a significant issue - not just game to game, but inning to inning. He altered his pre-game routine earlier this month and has experienced positive results. This is off point, but Reyes has an excellent chance of winning more major league games than his celebrated USC teammate, Mark Prior.

Joe: What;s the status on Mark Mulder.And do you think Ankiel can replace Edmonds next year ?

Joe Strauss: Mulder continues to rehab in Jupiter, Fla., and is a well recognized figure at numerous championship golf courses. As for Ankiel replacing Edmonds, the Cardinals owe their veteran CF $8 million in '08. I believe it more likely Ankiel will vie for time in RF in the major leagues.

Tom Bannister34: Walt Jocketty is taking a lot of heat over the lack of signing free agents last winter. My question is: who is responsible for the Cardinals lack of quality minor league talent. Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Florida seem to develop major league caliber players every year while we seem to have a truckload of minor league pitchers who have had or will have shoulder/arm/elbow surgery. A Albert Pujols every 7 years is not enough. When will our minor league become what it was designed to be doing and that is producing talented prospects

Joe Strauss: Your question is at the core of an internal debate within the organization. Ownership essentially handed over control of scouting and player development to Jeff Luhnow last summer, announcing it the day it assumed Walt Jocketty's option for 2008. There is a rather obvious irony there, since Luhnow was installed by ownership at cost to Jocketty's group. Jocketty and Tony La Russa cite the organization's preference to deal young players for proven major-league talent. They also point to a lack of premium draft picks. I tend to give greater credence to the first contention, since many impact players are found after the first and second rounds of the draft (Pujols). Ownership now wants the organization to develop more players for itself, especially pitchers. It's a more cost-effective way to go, but it can also lead to lean years without continued support through free agency. The Cardinals and Luhnow had a landmark opportunity in the 2005 draft. Grades can be responsibly assigned beginning next year, in my opinion. The club also has heavily invested in the Caribbean. I don't believe the club has signed and developed a player out of the Dominican since Jose Jimenez.

Steve Kaupas: If you look at the standings in the Central we have played a lot less games then the other teams in the division. To me were the Cardinals stand in the division is a little blurry would you agree.

Joe Strauss: I think where the Cardinals stand is perfectly clear. After 42 games they're neck deep in it.

Darrell Harp: Are we going to get a rbi hitter at bat 4th or 5th

Joe Strauss: I'll forward your question to Mr. Rolen, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Duncan and Mr. Encarnacion.

Willie: Mr. Strauss
Any chance the Cardinals can acquire M. Behrle during this season ?
Any chance the Cards can acquire C Crawford via trade?
What will happen to Ludwick when Wilson returns?

Joe Strauss: OK, there's a rule that I can't leave until I address at least one Ankiel and one Buehrle question. Is there a chance? Remote. Will the Devil Rays trade Carl Crawford, perhaps the best player no one sees? If they do, it would probably take more than the Cardinals have to offer. As for Ludwick and Wilson... Ludwick's time has diminished without Wilson back. Wilson's right knee has shown no improvement. He is dealing with a loss of cartilege at the base of his right femur. Lubricating injections have not addressed the situation and surgery is a growing possibility. Wilson had similar surgery performed on his left knee with Colorado and required more than a year to fully recover. At 33, it may not be overstatement to say his career is jeopardized.

Brett Springer: Can we look for any rotation changes in the near future besides getting Carpenter back. And, is there any word on Carpenters recovery status? Having him back will be a huge confidence boost to the pitching staff.

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals have limited options regarding the rotation. Carpenter is out until at least August. I don't know what a confidence boost is worth if the club is still languishing 6-8 games below .500. For Carpenter to become the answer, some other questions must be addressed long before his return.

Noel Braun: In watching Scott Rolen at the plate struggeling, it is obvious that he needs to return to the basics of hitting a baseball, and eliminate all of the movement at the plate . His front foot is tapping, and his hands are constantly in motion. As big a man as he is, he could hit the ball out of any ball park if he just stood flat footed. If I a fan can see this why has he never been told of this? or has he, and refuses to change his habit?
Can you imagine, trying to hit a golf ball which is not moveing 85+ miles, with all of this body movement?
Thanks
Noel

Joe Strauss: Rolen's set-up is not dramatically different than his previous five seasons here. The foot tap is a timing device. Hand position? I'll ask about it. True, Rolen's timing has appeared off. He has had trouble squaring fastballs and has often been jammed. Considered a "mistake hitter," he's missed a number of pitches he has typically driven in the past. Rolen insists his left shoulder is physically sound and his at-bats seem to be gradually improving. I, too, wonder about the absence of power, as does the organization.

Joe Strauss: That's going to have to hold everyone for this week. Time flew. Thanks for the questions and continued interest. I apologize for not getting to more of the inquiries about minor league players but plan to jump on those next when I travel to Memphis for several days. Thanks for making this the most popular chat at 900 N. Tucker Blvd. from 1-2 p.m. every Wednesday. Shuffle up and deal.