Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up for a Draft Eve edition of Joe Strauss Live!!!, arguably the most influential forum of its kind as other publications scramble to imitate (without the possibility of ever duplicating) the Internet tsunami that is JSL!!! As we speak, the Washington Times is kicking off its homage to JSL!!! by having its fine beat writer Mark Zuckerman christen a weekly chat. Apparently other publications have taken note of the overwhelming response by the JSL!!! ChatHeads. What they don't realize is that it is impossible for another chat to attract the hip, insightful and appropriately reverent followers who revel in riding the tsunami. Speaking of water, it sounds as if another downpour is expected tonight in the District. We're going to start early this week and end around 2 p.m. If you have a question, now is the time to Get it On!!!

Will L: JSL!!
What do you think of the progress of Coly Rasmus? He seems to be getting out of his slump and is currenting getting on base at an almost rampant pace! What do you think his ceiling is down in Memphis and in the Major leagues?

Joe Strauss: Coincidentally, Rasmus has shaken himself since reports surfaced of family dissatisfaction with the organization hit the Internet. Rasmus admitted 12 days ago feeling significant pressure and suggested it may have taken a toll. Since, he has constructed a 10-game hitting streak and is again the player the Cardinals projected as a future star. Rasmus has enormous talent. It would be a shame if family or organizational pressure retarded his advancement. Rasmus has obviously listened to the irresponsible projections and timetables advanced for him. He thought he would make the team out of spring training when he realistically had next to no chance. I've said before in this forum that he projects as a Gold Glove caliber outfield who could be expected to hit 20-22 HR and drive in 85-95. Many would call those projections conservative, which gives you an idea of how out of control the whole thing has become. Leave him alone and let him play.

tc22: Hey Chatmeister,

I enjoyed the truth of your recent article about Mark Mulder. I've been saying for over 2 years now that Mulder was damaged goods when the Cardinals traded for him. Mulder's new delivery looks like he's "short arming" every throw. Looks like Billy Beane really stuck it to us, huh? Personally, I think Mulder will never pitch at the major league level again. Your thoughts O Wise One....?

Joe Strauss: You look more and more right every week, TC. The Cardinals have downplayed recent setbacks, insisting Mulder still projects for them this season. What the club hasn't disclosed is that Mulder is suffering from chronic bursitis in the shoulder and has lost 10-15 percent of range of motion in the joint. He must re-invent his delivery to return and, frankly, that seems unrealistic to the ChatMeister. Mulder is on the current road trip long-tossing for Dave Duncan and Marty Mason. There is no additional surgery being discussed. However, Mulder admits he can not physically get his arm in a proper throwing position given his current mechanics. I know I'm only a sportswriter and I prefer Marriotts over Holiday Inn Express, but it sounds very unlikely that Mulder will win a major-league game during the 2-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent in January 2007. I hope I'm wrong. This guy won 16 games with "smoke and mirrors" in 2005. It would be great to see him pitch when sound.

Greg: Okay Joe,
I'm by no means giving up on '08, but look in your crystal and give us a quick look at your anticipated 5 starting pitchers for '09 assuming all are healthy- Carpenter, Wainwright....

Joe Strauss: Carpenter, Wainwright, Pineiro, Wellemeyer, Lohse/Boggs/Parisi/Garcia. Pineiro is signed through '09 at a figure that makes it unlikely he would move to the bullpen. With Pineiro in the rotation, the club may be less likely to trust in youth. Lohse fits here, but his agent Scott Boras is not fond of home team discounts.

roger from lake tahoe: so far i like what i see from mather. any chance we'll see him get some time at the corner infield positions? can he be the next spezio?

Joe Strauss: I don't believe Mather has Spiezio's defensive versatility. That said, Mather is a much better outfielder than Spiezio. If Mather hits, his role on the team is as a corner outfielder/1B.