nextdayair: Joe,
Thanks for fielding my question. Is the organization concerned at all about the squabble that occurred involving Brett Wallace before the third and deciding game in the College World Series regional? This was an unnecessary display of immaturity. Could this type of character, left unchecked, be a future front page news story in the making?

Joe Strauss: The fight among ASU players is a juvenile "tradition" begun years ago. Unnecessary? You bet. Sophomoric? Absolutely. I don't see it as a character question, however. You would like to see a big-time program act a little more, well, big time.

Cardz fan: Joe,

Long-time reader, first-time questioner....

I'm going to watch Izzy pitch tonight here in Springfield, what should I look for to see if he's back to normal?

Thanks - I'll hang up and listen.

Joe Strauss: Don't just watch balls and strikes. Check out the movement in the catcher's glove. If Izzy is hitting his spots, he's taken a step. If not, it doesn't matter what the radar gun says, he's probably not ready to come off the DL.

ronjon: What is the story on Tyler Johnson? I have not heard anything about him, he kinda vanished like Juan E(I would like to know about his well being too)I've heard some rumblings that it may be more than just an injury and could deal with "other" issues. Any update would be nice. Thanks Joe!! You are number one.

Joe Strauss: Johnson required rotator cuff surgery, something the club euphemistically termed a "shoulder" procedure. Johnson has also long dealt with questions of (im)maturity. Johnson is out for the season and his future with this organization may be in question. Questions of maturity may relate to the "other" issues you speak of. The club, of course, has chosen not to elaborate. Even before Johnson reached spring training, TLR questioned his fitness based on a spotty winter workout schedule. Part of his inconsistent work schedule related to illness.

Tyree: JOE! Love the chats... At the time of typing this, I don't know the extent of Alberts injury and believe me, I've been knocking on wood all day hoping it's nothing too serious. If it is, who do we try and trade to get an everyday first or third baseman (3B in case Glaus moves over), or do you even think we need to.

An option that I feel alot of people are overlooking is moving Glaus to 1B and calling up Freese to play a little 3B with Brendan Ryan. I live in Memphis and I go to the games occasionally. The kids a good fielder and seems to have a pretty decent bat as well. I know he hit a monster shot Monday night even though Thompson didn't do his job as a starter.

Obviously it's not ideal but it's an option. Question is, is it a likely option?

Joe Strauss: Not now.

Bryan: Tsunami master,

Two quick questions...

First, do you think Wainwright's injury will put more pressure on the rotation or the bullpen? I would argue that the bullpen may have to pick up 4-5 innings per week in his absence and may overexpose guys like Springer and Franklin.

Second, before Albert's injury I heard there was already talk of Duncan being recalled. Do you have any insight into whether this was true and if so, who were they going to send down? If they thought he was getting scrutiny before, they haven't seen nothing now that he is replacing the best hitter in the game.

Bryan

Joe Strauss: The bullpen looks like it may become stressed. And, yes, there was talk of Duncan's return before El Hombre went down. And, yes, I'm sure he will be scrutinized not only as a hitter but as a first baseman. He's got a tough act to follow.