Larry: Oh wise one,
Got a rules q' for you--in last night's game in Cincy, Shumaker was on first base when the batter (Pujols?) popped a ball to the second baseman. Was the infield fly rule in effect there? If not, knowing that Pujols couldn't run very well, why didn't the Reds 2B let the ball drop and then turn a double play?
Thanks, as always, for the entertaining chat? Go, Hombre-less Birdos!

Joe Strauss: The IF fly rule applies only with runners at first or second, or with bases loaded. There must be less than two outs. Report to Summer School for Baseball 101.

JboroCardinal: Hi Joe:

I'm from Arkansas and a HUGE Cardinal fan and Razorback fan. I was just wondering how the Cardinal brass is impressed with former Hog Jess Todd at Springfield. I have been watching him closely and he has basically been untouchable. Is there a chance he could be called up this year or will they want him to finish at AAA this year and then come to spring training next season and then make a decision.

Joe Strauss: Jess Todd and Jaime Garcia are arguably the two hottest arms in the organization right now. Todd will be seen in Memphis this season, I would guess. Garcia should make an appearance in St. Louis. Sooo-ey Pig!!!

Creston: Seriuosly, you don't think prior to the All Star break??? Rarely would I say such a thing, but man I hope that you are completely wrong in the worst way possible. It just didn't strike me as an awful injury upon review, and apparently Bill Dewitt said Albert was walking around on it this morning with pain, but still walking around, if it was a grade 3 strain I'd think the slightest tweak of pressure would send him tumbling over

Joe Strauss: You asked my opinion. I gave it. We'll know more later this afternoon. Don't ask if you can't handle the answer. We'll both know more later. I've never seen TLR more downcast after a win as last night. That should tell you something.

Debbie, New Lenox, IL: Joe: If Albert's "injury" is truely a "strain" as the so called pundints claim, why a trip to the DL? Should we as fans be cautious about the front office's honesty on this one?

Joe Strauss: All right, Debbie. You're going to be the last question for today. I have "NEW" information that El Hombre has been examined, and is suffering from a moderate strain (Gr. 2, at worst) strain of the left calf. It's a safe bet he will be down through at least the All-Star break but this is NOT season-ending. On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate this a 5. Leaving the park last night, many would have believed it an 8-10. There will be much more in the P-D tomorrow. But based on what this could have been, I believe you should consider this as more positive than negative news.

Joe Strauss: Thanks again for participating in JSL!!! Not only do you receive cutting edge entertainment, you have just been the first to learn of El Hombre's condition (or at least his general condition). Stay tuned for more detail. Remember, you are the ones who make the tsunami live. We'll be back next Wednesday for more of the same. To the clubhouse!!!