Kat: Although I feel terrible for Albert, if he is going to be on the DL the timing couldn't be better. I am sure the critics will say we are done without him and Wainwright, I on the other hand think we will show how good we are. Hopefully they both will recover quickly, but in the meantime what do you see happening with the lineup? With interleague play coming up soon, I am getting excited at the idea of Ludi, Ankiel, and Schu in the outfield. Mather on first with Duncan batting DH. Glaus is loving the warmer weather and Yadi is, well Yadi. The guys in the middle amaze me, no matter what combo TLR uses. Our pitching seems to constantly surprise everyone. It seems what we lose in experience is more than made up for in speed, agility and hitting. I don't know about you, but despite losing our stars, I am excited to see what we can do, and to prove that we are more than a fluke, more than Albert's team. I love the new commercials for the club that keep saying "play like a Cardinal" because these guys have truly shown they are a team and that there is pride in being a Cardinal.

Joe Strauss: Duncan to first base. Mather may play there against LHP. I must take issue with one of your manifesto's points, Kat. It's hard to get excited about this team when it just lost the game's best hitter. "Play like a Cardinal" sounds better when you've got a Gold Glove guy at 1B hitting 40 jacks worth 120 RBI. Clip and save today's stat sheet. It'll be interesting to see what it looks like at the All-Star break if Pujols is as badly damaged as feared.

Wes: Can you think of any possible replacements for Pujols?

Will the Cardinals fill the 1B spot internally with a guy like Duncan (yuck), or will they go out and try to acquire a guy like Bill Hall or something?

Personally, I would not got with Duncan, who's hitting .190 in AAA. The guy is lost at the plate.

Do you think the Cards might explore the trade market? Because that's a huge hole at 1B now.

Thanks Joe.

Joe Strauss: TLR indicated following Tuesday's game that Chris was likely going to be promoted within the week even if Pujols had not been injured. To say there has been some internal push and pull over the issue would be understatement. Duncan received almost the same number of at-bats at Memphis as stitches in his arm. It's a moot point. There is a legitimate need now. Dunc' will have every chance to prove his critics wrong.

Adam: I am loving the rookie surge this season. Really makes the games exciting to see new guys in there. Do you see any other rookie call up in the near future? What are the chances of Freese, Mott, or Garcia being called up this season?

Joe Strauss: Garcia, Mott and Freese in that order. JSL!!! is a Garcia honk.

Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,

If it is determined that Albert will be down for a significant amount of time, is there any chance that the club seeks help from outside of the organization? How about looking in the equipment room for a 4 XL helmet and signing someone whose litigation will not take place until 09? If not BB, how about another alternative?

Thanks for the insight as always! JSL has taken Wednesdays to a new high!

Joe Strauss: The question was posed as recently as last night within the visitors' clubhouse at Great American Ball Park. As of three weeks ago, a club source insisted "that door is closed." He didn't say it was locked shut. Your point about a trial waiting until 2009 is very legitimate. I appreciate your compliment. The JSL!!! tsunami has indeed grown to Everest heights.

Ryan: A couple rotation questions: How many more rehab starts do you think Matt Clement will need before he gets the nod to join the injury-riddled rotation? Do you think Mitchell Boggs will stick to take the spot left in Wainwright's absence? Thanks Joe.

Joe Strauss: Boggs probably bought himself one more start Tuesday night. It sounds as if Clement will be activated within 2-3 weeks barring a setback. Whether he joins the rotation or the bullpen will be dictated by need. It's hard to imagine Clement would be ready to throw 7 or 8 innings when he walks in the clubhouse door. Innings from this rotation are going to become an issue, the ChatMeister thinks.