Joe Strauss: OK, ChatHeads, we're going Live!!! from cloudy Southern California, where the fish tacos are bueno and the view of the harbor even more outstanding. Time to strap in for 60 (or 90) minutes of high-octane, $4.50 per gallon chat. I'm sure y'all are ready to engage in talk about R. Ludwick, J. Pineiro, El Hombre and all things pertinent to a team apparently determined not to go away in the NL Central. Bear with me if it's a little slow. It's only 11 a.m. on the W. Coast. Takes a little time to get rolling. (Late deadlines, y'know.) Let's Get It On!!!

Brent Phx: Professor Chat:

Ramirez, Tulo, Braun, Longoria, Kazmir....even the small market teams are buying out arbitration and free agency and locking up the youngsters. The Cards seem to want to do the same (Wainwright, Molina). What does the Chatmeister think this trend will do for baseball economics in the next few years? These guys are signing for a lot less than what they would have made as a free agent, but does that mean the Carlos Silvas and Kyle Lohses will be harder to get/more expensive?

Also, GM Mo shows the gravity of JSL!!! Serious pull! If there were ever a cause for a fourth exclamation mark...

Joe Strauss: Outstanding observation, B.Man. Cost certainty is front-burner issue in baseball. Arbitration, not free agency, is often alleged to be the engine that drives salary escalation. If teams buy out those years, they cut off air to the engine. Young players who do not enjoy lifetime financial security are far more likely to trade years for guaranteed money. I believe Wainwright's deal will look like a steal for the organization should he remain healthy. But that's the rub. Any young pitcher lives in fear of blowing out. Wainwright circumvented the risk but at a potential financial cost. I know much had to do with a thin market, but only one free agent pitcher (Silva) signed a multi-year deal last winter. Combine that with the absurd deal for Barry Zito after '06 and it's easy to see how teams have found religion.

Paul: Joe,
Love the chat, I wait all week for another installment. My question is with Ludwick playing everyday now and Shumaker doing well will we send Duncan down to AAA and bring up Mather who is absolutely crushing the ball? Duncan needs everyday playing time to improve and doesn't seem to be getting that with the outfield playing like it has. Also, what are your thoughts on Perez keeping the closers role after Sunday's impressive preformance?

Thanks,

Paul

Joe Strauss: Count yourself among the millions possessed by the JSL!!! jones. As for roster movement, I believe it more likely the Cardinals attempt to swing a transaction with the Cleveland Indians that would allow them to option Brian Barton rather than option Duncan. Duncan has previously shown himself a capable pinch hitter. He's been hurt by a crush of lefthanded starting pitching that should ease in upcoming weeks. Perez is much more advanced than I would have admitted during spring training. Dave Duncan' suggestion that he eliminate the wind-up and Memphis pitching coach Blaise Ilsley's influence have made a significant difference. Perez also looks in better condition. There is much reason to be excited, so sayeth the ChatMeister.

roger from lake tahoe: i think the cards need another power bat on the bench. maybe the answer is at memphis. could mather learn to catch well enough to be third catcher? is so, with his ability to play first and third could we trade duncan and have mather available to back up albert and glauss and be available to pinch hit for larue in a late inning game changing situation? thanks for the info.

Joe Strauss: There's a reason Mather plays outfield, and it's not because he could be a future catcher or corner infielder. I'll throw this on top of the pile including Skip Schumaker-to-second base.

Matty: JS,

There have been rumors recently by people very close to Colby Rasmus that claim his recent struggles stem from coaches on the Memphis staff that tried to change his swing, so much so, that he is completely messed up. I, for one, would normally be extremely skeptical but with the Cardinals recent "tinkering" of guys like Anthony Reyes it makes you wonder. Have you heard anything about this? What in the Wide Wide World of Sports would make someone want to change one of the best prospects in baseball? Maybe I've given Luhnow and Co. too much credit if this kind of stupidity is going on?

Thanks for the Chat.

Joe Strauss: There have been web postings by some family members to that effect (since retracted). Rasmus is clearly struggling and has played sparingly in the last week. Those at the major league level were recently alarmed to hear of alleged "tinkering." It is an issue. It may soon be more fully developed in print.