Joe Strauss: All right. Everybody up! Right now I'm sitting in the AutoZone Park press box waiting for Memphis and Tuscon to tee it up for a 1:05 tilt. Randy Keisler's hurling for the home club. Rick Ankiel's hitting third and in right field. Brian Esposito is headed to Denver to replace Yadier Molina on the active 25. Based on your questions, I can tell your sense is that a long season is getting longer. I think a significant number within the organization would concur. So let's get it on!

Jacob Frierdich: Hey Joe
Two questions: First- When do expect to see Rick Ankiel and Blakehawksworth here in St. Louis?

Second- Who do you see the Cardinals realisticly going after when it comes time for trading season and who do you see them giving up. Just to make things clear I'm not one of tose fans who thinks we can get Miguel Cabrara for John Rodriguez, Athony Retes, The Bullpen Catcher, and a Usher from Left field.

Joe Strauss: It depends on what course this season takes. If the current club is competitive through August, I wouldn't expect to see either one until September. If the current trend continues and the Cardinals see themselves as sellers around the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, August could usher in a number of new faces. Ankiel's performance has many excited. He is showing power with a quick swing. Plate discipline, not ability, is considered the biggest issue he faces. Hawksworth has shown steady improvement this season. He's a sinker guy who doesn't strike out many (31 in 57.1 IP) but has command (12 BB and 1.23 GB vs. FB ratio). Obviously, the Cardinals are more willing to go with Todd Wellemeyer than Hawksworth at this point. In two months they may think differently.

Bruce: Why do so many fans want to see Scott Rolen traded? He's been one of the cornerstones of this team in each of their playoff runs the past few years. He played well enough to be the MVP in their only World Series Championship in the past 2 decades. Even this year he has yet to make an error, but he gets off to a slow start and everybody can't wait to trade him.

Do these people have short memories? Are they just idiots? Are they Cub fans in disguise? Or is there something in the water ... geesh!

Joe Strauss: I think legitimate questions can be asked about Rolen's performance without checking folks for a 312 area code or administering IQ tests. Without Rolen making an impact, this lineup becomes limited. However, trading Rolen would involve numerous hurdles, including a no-trade clause and finding a taker for a significant salary. Remember, every other club would have the same concerns about him that the Cardinals would harbor if seeking a deal. Rolen is signed through 2010. If he's struggling now, a club would have not know there's nothing physically wrong that would prevent him from being an impact player from 2008-10. Rolen is a signature player. But there is a lot in play here.

Rich: Yesterday, I called the Cards mgmt. cheap and was reminded of how much money they spent on Edmonds this year.Okay, maybe they're not cheap, just "Bottom Feeders"! I say this because every year it seems the Cards, instead of going for a decent pitcher try to get these so called 'reclamation projects' for Duncan to fix!!! The Cards mgmt. also need to realize that Not every player wants to play in St. Louis nor do they want to play here for a discount!!!

Joe Strauss: We've said it before: The Cardinals gambled on their rotation this season and appear to have lost the bet. But their "bottom feeder" tendency got them Chris Carpenter and Jeff Suppan, pitchers who were removed from their previous team's major-league roster. Your point about the "home team" discount is well taken. That sell is unlikely to work to the same degree, especially if this club is headed for anything more than a temporary decline. The club pursued solid starting pitching (Wolf, Schmidt, Pettitte) last winter without success. I would expect them to aggressively pursue at least one starting pitcher this winter as well as another hitter. It's unlikely they will be coming off 105 or 100 wins or a world championship. I think fan dissatisfaction has become obvious.

IlliniAmy: Joe,

Do you have "the skinny" on any particular prospects the Cardinals may be looking at for the draft? Do you think they might focus more on pitching or position players (or a balance)?

Thanks,
Amy

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals aren't discussing specific names but I think where they're drafting (No. 18), makes it likely they will choose a high school player. There are few impact college position players (nothing really new there), and the top collegiate pitchers may go before the Cardinals select. The club has identified a "select" pool of 15 players. Three teams need to go outside the pool for the Cardinals to get what they want. Drafts typically skew toward pitching but I think there may be more balance this year. I do expect to see a significant departure from the heavy college (Chris Lambert) draft of 2004.

will patterson: The cards sent Reyes down because he did not want to throw a sinking fastball as much as Duncan would like. Has there been any talk of teaching him a slider or a cutter to induce ground balls.I think it is worth a try since his curveball and sinker are average at best. I also think a slider would better compliment his very good fastball and changeup.

Joe Strauss: Good question. Reyes and Duncan do have different philosophies. It is an uncomfortable truth that became more obvious when Duncan suggested last weekend that it would take more than 2-3 solid AAA outings for Reyes to return to St. Louis. Reyes is equally insistent that he will not alter his mechanics. His delivery does not work for a sinker-style pitcher. He's told the organization repeatedly he won't change. He needs to become a change of speed pitcher who can "spot" the ball, many believe. If the Cardinals believe Reyes needs to conform to a four-seam mentality, my guess is that both parties won't be satisfied unless there is a trade. Reyes was surprised by last Sunday's demotion and is reluctant to dicuss the situation. Reyes throws a cut fastball but not with great consistency. There are few pitches that get hit harder than cutters that don't cut.

Tim Boeckelmann: Did you notice the bat Carlos Beltran used in the bottom of the 9th, Game 7 of the NLCS last year? I seen it on the World Series DVD and something looked awfully funny about it. I know it don't matter at this point, but I just want your thoughts. Thanks!

Joe Strauss: You're not the only one who's wondering after watching the DVD. I have no idea if it was corked or illegally tarred. However, it did seem to stick to his shoulder against Adam Wainwright's curveball that ended the NLCS.

Tim Boeckelmann: When do you think the Cardinals should bring up Ankiel and give him an everyday role platooning in the outfield? I don't hear much about his defense but I assume he could track down baseballs in every outfield position, being as athletic as he is. Why wait?

Joe Strauss: Why wait? No. 1. Because he wouldn't be guaranteed 4-5 plate appearances in St. Louis. No. 2. If he tanked, there would be now way to get Ankiel back to Memphis without him clearing waivers. Given the power he has shown at Memphis, I'm convinced another organization would take him. Defensively he projects as a right fielder, though he and Skip Schumaker are both working in CF and RF here. Ankiel has average-plus speed and a plus arm. He would not embarrass the Cardinals defensively.

Joe Nolfo: Hi Joe,

Given the current plight of the Cards lack of success against left handed pitchers, I do not recall hearing or seeing any batting practice sessions facing lefties. Is that a fact or do they indeed take practice against any left handed hurlers? And if they do, why not put in more work to their sharpen their batting eye as well as build confidence and get this monkey off their back?

Joe Strauss: You're not the first one to ask that question. The Cardinals don't carry a LH batting practice pitcher and, when asked, don't believe it a big deal. A number of players say it would be a plus to have a reliable LH arm throw BP. But they add that an unreliable lefthander would do more harm than good. In other words, former college eand minor league LHs with good command might make a call.

Tom: Joe,

What has become of the 2006 World Series Champions? I realize the Redbirds have endured their share of injuries this season (i.e. Chris Carpenter, Juan Encarnacion, etc.) but I mean let's be honest, we can't blame the lack of production this year on a couple of key personnel losses. Much of the "core" offense still exists with Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds, Eckstein, etc. Yes, the pitching staff has churned, but why aren't the bats producing? Let's right this ship!

Thanks,
Tom (from Cedar Rapids, IA)

Joe Strauss: This was addressed on an internet Insider two Sundays back. This is largely the 2006 team that was 10 games under .500 in its last 110 games. After Tuesday's loss in Denver, the Cardinals are 72-90 since last May 25. Given the state of the rotation and the protracted offensive slump, those numbers don't appear to be lying.

Greg: Joe,

With Molina out 6 weeks or more and the pitching staff in disarray, is it safe to believe that contending is out of the question? I am an optimist by nature, but I believe it is time for the Cardinals to make some decisions. The ownership group is very obviously grooming Luhnow for the GM spot and I cannot believe LaRussa will sign up for more of this. He seems to be very disconnected with this team. Who can we sell and for what in return? Obviously much has been said about Rolen, but if LaRussa doesn't return, I think Rolen would be glad to stay. Miles? Eckstein? Encarnacion? Isringhausen? Who do we keep to build from?

Joe Strauss: You're suggesting an organizational detonation, a dramatic move the year after a World Series win. I don't know if "disconnected" is the perfect word regarding TLR's relationship with this team. I do know he is frustrated. Barring a trade from the clouds, there is little the club can do to improve itself short-term. Despite the one-sided trade "rumors" often bandied about, there are no clubs waiting to do the Cardinals a favor. Bernie wrote recently about the organization's need to re-up Tony. I don't think it stops there. I believe it would be more beneficial if ownership clarified its stance on direction of the front office. Walt Jocketty is under contract through next season. Many within the industry believe he may opt to go elsewhere given the current structure imposed by ownership last summer. Walt's current deal averages less than $1 million annually, a bargain considering what less experienced and less successful contemporaries are pulling down.

Dr Ike: What are Eli Marrero and Hector Luna up to these days?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals recently released Marrero. The Cleveland Indians have Luna at Triple-A.

Corey: I am not yet ready to write off the season, as the rest of the NL Central is less than intimidating. However, many are signing off and talking about the off-season. Many questions have come up as to who is good value for trade, and many names have been offered, including Rolen and Izzy. One name that has not come up is Pujols. I am as big a fan as anyone of the man, but he MUST be the most valuable trade chip. He has shown this season that he is human, and after attending last nights game, I can see that his knees are not getting any better - he is pretty slow up the line, even on plays that a fresh Pujols could have outrun. Not saying trade him, but it seems to me that he could offer the most in return.

Joe Strauss: Well... yeah. Interesting footnote: This is the first year within El Hombre's contract that he enjoys only partial no-trade protection. He's not going anywhere. I believe Busch would burn if the club moved him.

Lillian Jayne: Hello Joe, The Cardinals are one of the last teams to develop a Latin American player development program and this has only happened with the hiring of Jeff Luhnow. How could Walt Jocketty be so lax in this area of player development?
Thanks,
Lillian

Joe Strauss: I don't think it's on Jocketty, who helped push for formation of the Arizona Fall League and Dominican Summer League. It's been a matter of resources. The Cardinals badly needed an academy, and got one in 2005. A previous facility literally existed on a pasture where livestock grazed. The organization (ownership included) recently adopted a longer view toward player development and has placed Jeff Luhnow at the wheel. A lot is being invested in the D.R. It's not unfair to expect some early returns within the next several years.

cjf: Can't we just send the Cardinals roster we've got, down to AAA Memphis, and and bring the existing AAA Memphis team up here?

If we are going to lose like this, can't we at least see a team trying to win while they're doing it?

Joe Strauss: The Tuscon Sidewinders just took a 2-0 lead over the Cardinals and Randy Keisler. I'm not sure effort is the problem in either place.

Willie P.: Joe,
Assume Muldar and Carpenter return this season and demonstrate they are healthy, etc. Assume also we are not in contention.
As the GM, how do you approach the last quarter of the season and the off-season? Will or should there be a fire sale? Will we see any propsects brought up for a sustained look?
Who would you target in the off-season?

Joe Strauss: It's funny you should ask. My shadow front office and I have constructed a 1-year, 3-year and 5-year plan that answers all of your questions. But rather than publishing it for free, I await a three-year, $7 million proposal from ownership. True, it would represent a modest cut from my P-D salary, but I'm willing to provide St. Louis Cardinals LLC "a home town discount."

Ted D: Hi Joe

Any chance the club will call up Rasmus, their hot young prospect?

Joe Strauss: I believe he'll see Memphis this summer.

Ryan Sullivan: Joe,
I like the fact that the cards are taking a look at what Brad Thompson can do as a starter. At what point will he get hot and pitch 49 consecutive scoreless innings? Just kidding, but he could be a decent 4th or 5th starter, and there is only one way to find out.

Joe Strauss: The fact that Todd Wellemeyer makes his major league debut as a starting pitcher tonight should answer your question in the affirmative.

Bobby Medlin: The roster is starting to show names that are reminiscent of the rosters of the early 90s. A small number of core players with a larger number of low impact players. Do you think the organization has the ability and the desire to make a deal(s) for high impact players or are we looking at some mediocre years coming up?

Joe Strauss: Your comparison may be a valid one. Jocketty has long regretted holding on to the 1996 team. This team's problems are compounded by chaos within the starting rotation. But many were surprised by the bench and bullpen undergoing little change since last season. Last year's team proved vulnerable to injuries. The same is true this season, and has been underscored by the sluggish starts of the team's core. What made the 2005 team special was its ability to win 100 games despite significant losses to its lineup (Rolen, Walker, Molina, Sanders). I think it's fair to question this team's depth.

Craw: Joe, one thing that I don't understand is why John Rodriguez isn't getting AB's in St Louis. Although he is struggling in AAA, it is doing the Cards no good to have him wasting away in the minors. He provides power from the left side and has plate discipline (much more productive than Encarnacion/Taguchi). What do you think?

Joe Strauss: He's been dealing with a hamstring problem but is expected to return to the lineup during the current homestand. With Ankiel, Schumaker and (cleanup hitter) Stavinoha, the Memphis outfield is a crowded place.

Jeff D.: Hey Joe,
When does the football season start again?

Joe Strauss: THE SEC OPENER is Aug. 30 between LSU AND MISSISSIPPI STATE

Rich Frankenfeld: The new catcher the Cards just called up must be a good defensive catcher. Right?

What are the chances that the Cardinals will resign Eli Marrero now that Molina is down for awhile?

Joe Strauss: Brian Esposito is regarded as a solid receiver who was hitting .174 at the time of his call-up. Javier Lopez, Chris Widger and Marrero are valid names. Mike DiFelice and Sandy Alomar are currently toiling at New Orleans.

Nick: Who do you see the Cardinals trading at or before the trade deadline On July 31st? I would think Jason Isringhausen would be a prime candidate. He's not getting much work, he's free agent eligible at the end of the year, and when he has seen action, he has been good. If so, what teams are in need of a closer that are in the hunt?

Joe Strauss: Funny, Isringhausen was considered garbage on many chat boards and talk shows a year ago. You're right. Healthy, he has value. I can see Cleveland and Atlanta (and the Cubs!) having serious interest in Isringhausen. His contract includes an option for 2008. He also has blanket no-trade protection.

William Fink: Do you feel this team started the season with the right mental approach to repeat as champions or that the revelry of last season crept into the beginning of this year? Have they taken too much for granted rather than realizing that each win will require an all-out effort and that other teams are gunning for them as the champs?

Joe Strauss: Those are tough questions but represent issues the manager voiced concern about in spring training. This team has looked flat for much of the year, making fundamental mistakes seldom seen in the six years I've been covering the club. That said, the World Series push masked numerous obvious problems that surfaced last season. The loss of personalities such as L. Walker, R. Sanders and C. Eldred created a void that hasn't been filled. All were on the other side of their career (Walker and Eldred retired). But I believe it's been understated what their presence meant beyond statistics. It's no accident that Walt and Tony have invited Walker and Eldred back at every opportunity. I do believe there was a stronger sense of players policing themselves several years ago. Some would undoubtedly disagree. But anyone who has been around the team regularly would have to agree the clubhouse culture is different.

Andrea: Here's a question that hasn't been asked yet. Are we in danger of losing TLR, either to firing or retirement?

Also, why is Kip Wells still pitching? I mean, I'm sure he's okay when he's on, but he hasn't been on much recently.

Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Firing? No. Retirement? I think anyone who picks up this week's Sports Illustrated and has been paying attention this season would recognize that as a possibility. Tony has said he'll leave when the players and media get tired of him. But what about when he becomes tired of the players and media? I don't believe any St. Louis sports figure is more quoted, more respected and, as a result, at times more controversial than TLR. I've seen managers and front-office types on the receiving ends of media as well as organizational "hits". Tony has no such problem. He's been at this a long time and I believe he knows better. Impatience or indignation over professional people trying to do a professional job may be a symptom of frustration with something else. It's odd.
As for Wells, I'd be interesting in hearing other options.

Joe Strauss: Per usual, the questions have been out-STAND-ing (apologies to Detroit legend John Lowe). The Redbirds just tied the game on Skip Schumaker's two-run opposite-field jack. It's been a tough year for this club and I appreciate your sincere queries. Feel free to ask stuff that's off the well-worn path. We don't have to be 100 percent ball, 100 percent serious, 100 percent of the time. Love those "major" college football questions. This stuff is supposed to be fun, even when el birdos struggle. We'll be back next time at the same time with some hopefully different answers. Thanks for making this the unchallenged P-D chat leader between 1-2 p.m. every Wednesday.