| Joe Strauss: OK, OK, I know I'm late. But that's what happens when you walk five blocks to Great American Ball Park, set up your computer, then realize the cell phone is still in the car!!! I'd call it a senior moment but the ChatMeister is still too young and vital to be suffering such afflictions. (That said, what was the name of the nag that won the Belmont?) By now, you want facts. FACTS. About El Hombre, about little Dunc', about Waino... whatever. Such without further delay, let's catch that perfect wave known as Joe Strauss Live!!! and take a 60-minute ride. EVERYBODY UP!!! |
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Frank in Arlington, Virginia: Oh great and mighty Oz, er, um, Chatmeister,
After waiting through more than two hours of the June 4 rain delay in Washington, chasing our 3-year-old twins around the mezzanine concourse, I sat through what a beat down the next night, all-star ballot-stuffing for Pujols and punching chads like a Florida Democratic county clerk ... until Mark Worrell's three-run blast in his first ML at bat. Unfortunately, I was at the concession stand, getting a Ben's half-smoke chili dog "all the way" (DC-speak for everything on it). What is your opinion as a baseball writer of the half-smoke? Did you ever scout D.C.'s signature spicy sausage as a Washington-area (?) native?
Also, how did you feel about TLR leaving in Parisi to take his beating, clearly saving the bullpen for the Houston series? Did the big comeback expose it as a mistake to write off the game so early? On the other hand, without Parisi's two-RBI double and Worrell's homer, there probably wouldn't have been a comeback. |
| Joe Strauss: Frank, you're talking to a native of the Commonwealth. You don't have to interpret the DC-speak. I'm not a big sausage guy, sorry to say. I'm more into the crab cake scene 30 miles north. But to each his own. As to your primary but slightly outdated question... There are probably 8-10 games a year when a manager has to look long term rather than for instant gratification. The Parisi game was one of those. Our heroes already had won two and were on their way to Houston with a short bullpen. Lifting Parisi after one or two innings would have punished the club for at least the next two days. As is, the pitchers contributed 5 RBI to a stirring comeback. The Redbirds had the lead. Franklin gave it up pitching for the second time that day. 'Nuf sed. |
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Jim Steward: Joe,
The Cardinals have a lot of money on the DL. Other than Carpenter, are there other long term deals on the list? Our GM seems to be in a great postion to 1. make decisions on health of these guys after this year, 2. continue to evaluate the young guys in the system, 3. have money freed up for the right free agent aquisition to fill our holes. If your the GM what holes do you see after this year and what potential FA do you go after? |
| Joe Strauss: Mulder is on his walk year, as is Isringhausen. Clement, like Mulder, has a club option for 2009. El Hombre is signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011. I envision the club looking for a middle infielder, a power bat, a middle reliever and potentially a middle-of-the-rotation starter. (Carpenter, Waino, Wellemeyer, Pineiro and...) |
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Dan M.: Joe,
After years of messing around, can they please finally pull the trigger on the long rumored Jeff Conine deal? He seems to be a LaRussa type or guy, right? |
| Joe Strauss: Conine is a long-time pal of St. Louis racquetball king Marty Hogan. I covered him in Baltimore and he's a class act. Unfortunately, Conine may have advanced in age beyond the Cardinals' demo. I know the Hogan reference is off point but we at JSL!!! are joining Bird Land in gratuitous name-dropping. |
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GSW: Chatmeister:
Who's more to blame - Dutrow or Desormeaux? |
| Joe Strauss: Dutrow... in a landslide. |
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Eric: Hey Joe.
Well with the awful news that Albert got hurt last night, you should be getting a lot of questions on how long he will be out, replacements, etc.
So, I will go ahead and ask how long you think he will be out?
Thanks for your info. |
Joe Strauss: I am getting a lot of questions about El Hombre. In fact, I just took a call from an editor hyperventilating about getting to ALBERT'S INJURY. We've made JSL!!! an unstoppable tsunami and now I'm getting a question about HOW TO DO THE CHAT!!!
As for Albert, he's being examined AS WE SPEAK!!! I don't know anything because I don't have George Paletta's office bugged. (At least that's what we want the Cardinals to think.) I anticipate Albert's calf condition is severe. I would be surprised if he's available anytime before the All-Star break and possibly before the trade deadline. I hope I'm wrong because his absence carries major implications for a team that has been entertaining to watch and (for the most part) a pleasure to cover. These guys are playing for each other. If you hear Grade III strain, start thinking about 2009 and the possibility of pre-emptive TJ surgery. |
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| Lynn: Omniscient Chatmeister, the injuries to Pujols and Wainwright look (and sound) bad. Is there any hope that the Birds can keep the ship afloat without them? Will Carp start his rehab any time soon? How did Izzy look in Florida this week? What has he been working on? |
| Joe Strauss: Losing your ace and offensive hub on the same road trip is not cause for a balloon party. Wainwright's value extends beyond wins and losses because he consistently provides innings. The rest of the rotation has been productive but has yet to establish a consistent rhythm of starts lasting more than six innings. That could become a major problem on a bullpen without an obvious long man. Isringhausen got six outs on 21 pitches in Florida. Apparently he's not going for strikeouts but his command must be improved. Command was his issue before going on the DL. Tonight's appearance in Springfield should be illuminating. He's due to throw in St. Louis Friday and it's possible he may be activated sometime next week. |
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GSW: Joe,
I don't think I've mentioned it, but I really appreciate your work. I'm not in St. Louis (Dallas, for the past 20 years), and you give information that is available few, if any, other places - even if it doesn't always make you popular with the team. Thanks. |
| Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister not popular with the team? No way!!! I've been promised a seat next to Jim Hayes and TLR in the '09 Opening Day parade of convertibles. Your suggestion just popped the last chance for a JSL!!! balloon party today. |
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Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,
A few quick hitters for the Chatmeister as I hold my breath regarding the severity of Albert and Wainwright's injuries:
1. Do you think Perez will be sent out when Izzy returns? Please say no.
2. What are your thoughts on the new arm slot business with Mulder?
3. Where would you expect Brett Wallace to start his career assuming he signs some time soon?
4. Dutrow vs. Desormeux. Who ya got?
As always, thanks for all that you do. |
Joe Strauss: I foresee a bullpen of Izzy, Springer, Franklin, Villone, Flores, McClellan and Perez when the Izzynator is activated. How they will be used is the more difficult question.
Mulder is trying everything possible to become a factor. It's hard not to be skeptical about a guy who has thrown one way (or close to one way) for most of eight seasons now dropping down. That said, Mulder's velocity seems OK. I can't speak to his pitch movement or his stamina or ability to maintain this delivery for 5,6 or 7 innings. But he believes he's got a shot. Two weeks ago, he didn't.
Brett Wallace could start as high as Palm Beach.
I don't know if Dutrow is a shovel or a saw, but he strikes me as some kind of tool. |
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| Jayman: The Cardinals drafted Brett Wallace a fist basemen. We already have Albert....so why draft a first basemen! |
| Joe Strauss: I have heard Wallace likened to a LH Bob Horner, another ASU alum. It is possible Wallace could project at third base early in his career. If his body or his abilities dictate, he could eventually move to first base. Remember: El Hombre is signed only through 2010 (with an option on '11). He is not a Cardinal for life yet. Wallace is likely at least two years away. (Glaus at 3B in '09). |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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Hal: Dear Chatmeister Extradornaire:
Do you think that the Cardinals are jumping the gun brining Duncan back up. The dude is hitting .160 in the minors. Mather is a superior athlete that can play first and outfielder much, much better than Duncan.
What happens if the calf strain is nothing more than a charley horse and Pujols is available say next Tuesday. Are the Cardinals willing to DL their stud when he could DH in the upcoing 9 game swing thru Boston, Detroit and KC?
On a side note, have you ever seen a more hideous ride than Desormeaux gave Big Brown in the Belmont? |
| Joe Strauss: Your question will soon answer itself. I didn't see Duncan hit in Memphis but it is admittedly a small sample of at-bats for a guy sent down ostensibly to get himself "right." El Hombre has more than a "charley horse," Hal. No one is soft-selling this one. Desormeaux' ride wasn't good but it was only the last event within a difficult week for the horse. (A guy like Edgar Prado would have offered a better ride. Promise.) I was rooting for the horse but was hardly disappointed for his connections. A lot of what's wrong with the sport can be found in that group. |
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DoubleDown11: JSL!!!
Sitting here while the shoe is being changed, I noticed on my Wi-Fi that Chris Duncan will be the emergency call-up to replace Albert Pujols at first. Looking at his stats (hitting .190 and slugging a shade under his weight), why was he considered a call-up BEFORE Pujols went down (Mozeliak mentioned it in his pre-game talk with The Cat)? And furthermore, what's with the rumors that his dad is essentially the de facto hitting coach, essentially replacing McRae and Aldrete? A bit hypocritical when it comes to treating him like "one of the 25", don't ya think?
Dealer is done shuffling the deck, so I got to run.
DoubleDown11 |
| Joe Strauss: A former major league hitter himself, Coach Duncan did take an active interest in his son's struggles before Chris was sent out. I'm not sure what that says but many perceive it as more of a negative than a positive. Chris credited Hal McRae for much of his development. "Hypocritical" may be a little strong. Jose Oquendo helped Yadier Molina's hitting a couple years ago. Sometimes relationships are as important as anything. It's doubtful Chris has a stronger relationship with anybody in the clubhouse than he does with his father. |
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| edbart: I thought that the idea of sending Chris Duncan to Memphis was to allow him to work out his problems in a lower stress situation. He is batting .167 there, and apparently has not worked out his problems. Instead of bringing up Duncan, why don't they bring up Josh Phillips? He is hitting .288 against right hand pitchers and has 8 home runs. He was signed as a back up in case Albert had arm problems, do the Cardinals not have any confidence in Phillips ability to play in the major league? |
| Joe Strauss: The Cardinals have major issues with Josh Phelps' defense. He demonstrated throwing issues during spring training. He made eight errors in 82 games tere last season with the Yankees and Pirates. He's viewed as a bat. |
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Dave Newman: I don't have a witty greeting so I'll get right to it.......first, is it me or does Troy Glaus look fantastic at 3b? No, not Scott Rolen fantastic, but mere mortal fantastic. I watch almost every game and I am amazed at his defense this year. Is it health? Feeding off the play of the others? It's been a very pleasant surprise and he deserves kudos.
Second, how is it that the Cardinals went from "worst minor league system in history" to the abundance of depth we now see, in just a matter of a couple years? It's astounding? I've never given much stock to the "minor league rankings," but when Stuart Pomeranz was a top guy we should have believed it. What gives? The demise of the Redbirds so hoped for by Cubs fans has been greatly exaggerated (sp?).
Thanks
Dave |
Joe Strauss: You've hit the board even without a witty greeting. Consider yourself validated, Dave. Glaus looked stiff in spring training but has gradually become more mobile. This spring Toronto Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi suggested that Glaus was betting charging balls than Rolen. (The ChatMeister was disbelieving.) Rolen remains in a class by himself when healthy. Glaus almost made an impossible play Tuesday night but then got beat by what looked like a more playable ball down the line. As C. Ripken once said, "It's not a range position; it's a reaction position."
As for the system's image makeover, I credit the current heirarchy with facilitating advancement of prospects. Guys are being given the opportunity to succeed or fail rather than stagnate. The willingness to dismiss former pet prospects, including Pomerantz, suggests J. Luhnow is ready to take names. Luhnow certainly has his detractors, but player development appears to be more proactive. A lot of folks are buying into it. |
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| Tim B: HOF Question. I am sure you have plenty of doom & gloom questions for the day. It is possible that this is the last year for Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, Griffey & Randy Johnson. To me (and I assume most people) they are all HOFers. If they do retire at the end of the year which ones do you think would make it in the first year of eligibility? I am not a Braves fan but if they retire at the same time I hope the 3 of them go in together. The only one I can see somebody not voting for the first time is Smoltz. |
| Joe Strauss: All are HOFers. Smoltz is done. Maddux keeps insisting he's on his last year but he loves the game. Griffey may want a shot at 700 HR but will get it only with an AL team. Glavine may go out after this year, retiring as a Brave, which is perfect. RJ is one injury away from retirement. It's staggering to see how many deserving HOFers are currently playing the game. It's a cool game to play, especially when debating folks like Vizquel, Kent, Thomas, etc. I'm hard-pressed to think of a time when more HOFers were walking the game. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| Creston: Great to have you back for another lunch hour recess from work. I'm certain 99% of your inbox is filled with concerns/questions about Waino and El Hombre, so I'm going to throw something different at you. I'm coming to St. Louis for the 4th of July game (Cards vs. Scrubs), wondering what type of festivies can be expected at and around the park? I am amped for this game, paid way to much for tickets, but this has to be my most ideal way to spend the 4th of July. Any suggestions on where to eat close to Busch that isn't a chain or super expensive? |
| Joe Strauss: J. Buck's by the park is pretty good. Shannon's is pricy but good. Personally, I've got nothing against the White Tower drive through. Four burgers, chicken rings and a XL Diet Dr. Pep can fulfill your caloric intake in 15 minutes. Caution: Service at Buck's is quicker than at W.T. |
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Alan Schmidt: Most Venerated Chatmeister,
Do you know if Ludwick will hit #3 with Albert out, or what the plan is? Also, do you think Duncan will get a lot of DH time in the upcoming interleague games as a showcase for a possible trade? I note also that in helping Albert off the field last night, Molina demonstrated that at least in certain limited situations he can pick up a runner! (Please forgive me if I have exceeded the maximum sarcasm limit for JSL!!!)
Alan Schmidt
Chico CA |
| Joe Strauss: Ludwick is hitting No. 3 tonight. Duncan is made to order as a DH. Wow, your observation about the Cardinals' catcher is very biting, almost worthy of morning drive time radio. (Penalty will be enforced on the kickoff.) |
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| Colin B: How soon will the Card's sign Brett Wallace and is there really a chance that he'll play for Palm Beach? If so, who was the last player drafted by the Card's to go straight to Palm Beach after the draft? |
| Joe Strauss: I haven't researched your second question. I can tell you it is more likely Wallace starts at Quad Cities. I noted he could go "as high" as Palm Beach. I have since learned that is not likely, though possible. |
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| KDC: Joe, Why didn't the team do an MRI on Albert the first time he got hurt? |
| Joe Strauss: They scheduled one. He declined. Next question. |
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| Tom in Indy: All right oh Great One, I'll cut right to the point. What is the status of El Hombre and how long will he be out? Also, what is the talk of Wainwright. You just get the feeling that the whole story isn't getting told there? |
| Joe Strauss: El Hombre should be leaving his appointment soon. I will have information you can find on STLToday. Better yet, invest 75 cents in tomorrow's product. |
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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. |
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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!!! |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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!!! |
