Joe Strauss: Wow!!! The Tsunami has crashed ashore big time this week given the number of inquiries awaiting the ChatMeister. No doubt local sports talk has stirred the pot with its recent El Hombre talk. John Mozeliak is in the Dominican perusing the local talent pool. The Cardinals are doing their due diligence with this year's draft, most recently signing their second-round pick. And last night the local nine punished Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who was 7-0 with a 1.10 ERA in his previous nine starts. It's an interesting grab bag we have to talk about. No doubt the ChatHeads will mix in some curveballs and slurves as well. Like clockwork the tide is rising. Time to hit the board!!!

dub the beachcomber: joe, since arizona is buried, any chance of bringing Felipe Lopez back to play third? Thanks waverider, and remember, a nice swell really is.

Joe Strauss: Interesting question, Comber. Lopez was acquired following his release last August by the Washington Nationals and hit .385 in 156 at-bats for the Redbirds. Indeed, he led the league in hitting after the Cardinals picked him up. He hasn't sustained that kind of production this season in Arizona/He's become a singles hitter, carrying a .304 average with only four home runs and 11 RBI in 237 at-bats while mostly playing second base. GM John Mozeliak probably doesn't receive enough credit for acquiring Lopez last season, probably because there were factions within the organization that would have liked to see the club retain him for '09. Lopez is making $3.5M, leaving his "next" team liable for only about $2 million as we speak. He's an interesting name. Right now, however, the Cardinals are looking for a power boost. "Flip" would appear a good add-on if the club first acquired an impact bat.

dub the beachcomber: Surfmeister, would you rather be waterboarded, or watch the team face a lefty?

Joe Strauss: Sorry, one question per customer.

Tim: I believe the MLB should pass a Tony LaRussa rule that would limit the number of relief pitchers a manager can use in a nine inning game. Tony has singlehandedly changed what was once a two..two and half hour game...[ I remember when Gibson would have you out of there in UNDER two hours], into these three and four hour marathons with his over use...nee abuse, of his bullpen with the constant changing of relief pitchers. Five in a nine inning ball game is ridiculous...six is just ludicrous. If it takes ten to fifteen minutes to bring in a relief pitcher, well, do the math. Isn't there a delay of game rule for pitchers taking too long in between pitches...well the same rule should apply to over managing Managers.

Free Ryan Ludwick.

Joe Strauss: It's one reason why the Cardinals consistently rank near the top of the league in "holds," which may be even more open to manipulation than saves. I don't care how long TLR's moves make the games last (well, not much anyway.) I would like to see MLB adopt a TLR Rule mandating that postgame access be granted in accordance to MLB policy. Unfortunately, MLB takes its access policy (at least outside of NYC) far less seriously than the NFL and NBA. Oh, well, a guy can dream.

Dave in ST PETE: Oh Great One of Internet Wisdom,
Much has been made in the media about the Cardinals front office divide over the past years through hiring Lunhow and implementing more statistical analysis. Overall in baseball, more weight is being given to these new metric and stats like OPS. After becoming a regular over at puckprospectus.com (the hockey equivalent of baseballprospectus.com, I was wondering how much the Blues Front office may be starting to look at these possible future indicators or new metrics such as Offensive Contribution Percentage. I ask this b/c Perron was the best on the blues this year in OC% and 6th overall in the NHL. I think if we give credit to these new baseball metrics, we should look at these and maybe not be so quite to pull the trigger on a trade involving Perron.

Joe Strauss: Interesting thought; however, JSL!!! currently limits himself to major sports. I'll forward your question to the appropriate bin.

bfg1219: Mr. Strauss,

Thank you for JSL. The Tsunami is the only reason to look forward to Wednesdays! First post, but avid JSL follower.

My question is about signing Pujols. Besides a nice hefty annual salary ($20-25 million range, which is well below the $30+ million he could get in the open market), could DeWitt offer Pujols a minority ownership interest in the Cardinals. I do not know if this is possibility under the current collective bargaining agreement or if management would even consider this option. There have been player/manager in MLB history, why could there not be a player/owner.

Again thanks for all the info.

Joe Strauss: MLB does not allow player ownership stakes in franchises. I am unsure whether ownership could include an option in a future contract that would allow El Hombre an option to buy into ownership once his career is over. It's a good question that I'll investigate further. But this ain't the NHL. Players are not allowed ownership stakes while active.

zzzippper: Is Bill DeWitt in danger of getting a reputation with the fans similar to Bill Bidwell in his last days in StL?

Joe Strauss: If so, it's more a reflection on the fan base than on BDJ. Whatever the arguments may be against current ownership, the Cardinals enjoy the NL's second-best record since DeWitt's group took over from the Brewery. The club also has won the second-most postseason games to only the NY Yankees. I don't remember the year the football Cardinals won the Super Bown under Bidwell in St. Louis. I'm fairly confident if you heard the stories told by Dan Dierdorf and friends, their horror tales would differ from those in the current Cardinals clubhouse. Just a hunch.

Brett: Oh great Chatmeister, just look at the outfield situation! Ludwick is struggling mightly, adding to accusations of him being a "one year wonder". Ankiel has fallen of the face of the Earth, and Duncan hasn't hit in two years and cannot play LF. This is what the Cardinals get for not trading these guys when their value was high! The minor league OFer's (Robinson, Stavinoha) haven't proven to be capable starters in the outfield. Even with the "OF surplus" the team is drained on productive outfielders. Will they make a move, adding a Holliday via trade in the next month, or will they do something this offseason? A RH power OF bat should be priority #1. What do you think?

Joe Strauss: DeWitt Jr. recently tapped down any anticipation for an imminent move. However, team Prez Bill DeWitt III told a group that the club would make a significant acquisition or two before the trade deadline. Holliday remains on the radar, but the A's asking price is so far outrageous if what I'm hearing is true. Holliday would love to play in St. Louis, according to the same sources.
NEWS FLASH!!!: The Cardinals not only have signed second-rounder Robert Stock, but have also agreed to terms with third-rounder Joseph Kelly (RHP, UC-Riverside) and fifth-rounder Ryan Jackson (small-pop SS, Miami (Fla.). Once again, the Tsunami gives and gives.

Kid Twist: The time to upgrade over Wellemeyer came and went around the same time the offense left the team. His ERA is climbing and he's losing velocity. What can they get if they wanted to trade him (probably nothing) and do they not think that Boggs, Mortensen, or even a 70-year-old version of Bob Gibson could do better?

Joe Strauss: Wellemeyer is making significant jack ($4M). If the Cardinals think him insufficient for their rotation, what would make another team assume his salary to put him into their rotation? With Brad Thompson pitching well enough to remain in the rotation, Wellemeyer would appear to be on notice. TLR suggested Tuesday the club should do what it can to find an upgrade if available. Boggs, Mortensen or Hoot would appear not in the team's current plans. Boggs may have the best chance of changing that thinking.

cburn17: JSL,
Thanks for the chats! 2 questions.
1. What is your opinion of Khalil Greene moving to 3b when/if he returns this season? Could this move work, or is it just another desperate attempt by Cardinals management to turn a frown upside down?

2. How much does it sting to see Russell Branyan raking in Seattle after we let him go? Fans would do backflips to have him now.

Keep up the great work Joe!

- Bert
Granite City, IL

Joe Strauss: The Greene move is intriguing. He played five games on a rehab assignment, hit decently, but got booed off the field one night in Memphis after committing three errors (one was later changed to a hit). I honestly believed Greene's absence would be significantly longer. I have no idea how he'll look at 3B. If he has gained control of the issues that forced him to the DL I believe he'll do well. If not, it probably doesn't matter where he plays. K. Greene is a good guy whose condition makes him his own worst enemy. Everyone should hope he's found more level ground for his personal well-being as well as his career.

Branyan is currently hitting more than 70 points over his career average. That can't last. He has bizaare stats. His 15 HR translate into only 30 RBI, or one more than Chris Duncan. His .308 average includes 60 strikeouts in 201 at-bats, meaning he is hitting .439 when putting the ball in play. You would definitely be buying high.

Dan M.: Joe,

With Ankiel probably moving on in the off-season, and Duncan proving every day that he does not deserve the amount of playing time that he is getting, are the Cardinals committed to Schumaker at second beyond this season?

Joe Strauss: Much will depend on who is managing the club and what other acquisitions may avail themselves between now and next season. I don't believe Skip is set in stone at second base. He's also arbitration-eligible after this season. A guy who hits .300 in 1,000 at-bats in his last two seasons could command a significant pay raise, making his case even more intriguing. If Ankiel leaves via free agency, Schumaker could return to the OF alongside Rasmus, Duncan and Ludwick. The Cardinals also face another round of arbitration with Ludwick, who is making $3.7M this season. I'm giving myself a headache here.... Next question.

Kent Beil: Hello Joe! Thanks for doing this every week... really enjoy your insight.

Interested in the Cards front office and how Mo and the others work when
trying to make a deal. They appear to be unable to act quickly when a
"name" player becomes available. Recent example is with DeRosa... who
it was rumored was briefly available, but the window is closed now since
Cleveland has had some injuries and think they are still in the race. Since
Mo has taken over, he hasn't acquired any "impact" players. Lohse fell into
his lap because of a down free agent market, and San Diego couldn't buy a plane ticket fast enough to move Greene out of town. In your opinion, does
Mo have what it takes to make the aggressive moves to acquire players the team needs? Or are his hands tied by a front office structure that requires approval of Luhnow when moving prospects, and DeWitt when adding payroll, preventing him from moving quickly when opportunity knocks?

Joe Strauss: The acquisition of Troy Glaus for Scott Rolen in January 2008 represents an impact move, especially since Mo' had next to no leverage.
That said, no GM has the sway to act unilaterally for high-dollar talent. The Cardinals aren't the only team intrigued by DeRosa. To acquire a hitter of his calibre this early in a season demands a premium price. The Cardinals weren't the only team unable or unwilling to pay it. The larger question is how the Cardinals approach the market. The last two years would suggest their traditional slow movement in the winter is not helping them. The "dry powder" approach works if a player such as Larry Walker falls into your lap. Otherwise, you typically deal with a much smaller talent pool within the season. The ChatMeister believes this year underscores an argument for more aggressive dealing in December and January.

Kent Beil: Hello El Diablo!

Loved the Cards pick of Shelby Miller in the first round of the amateur draft.
Curious about the Cards second pick though, Robert Stock. Numbers of course never tell the whole story, but his sure don't
jump out and grab your attention. What's the word on this kid, and why
is Luhnow so high on him?

Joe Strauss: Stock is a 19-year-old "two-way" player who could catch (his preference) or pitch (which is how the club projects him). His numbers at USC weren't impressive but apparently he projects. The only question here is whether he would have remained available in the third, fourth... or 10th round?

D.Schmitt: Joe

Jason LaRue seems like a great guy to sit down and have a beer with. I guess back-up catchers aren't that important to teams, but what is he like around the clubhouse/bullpen? Guy always looks like he's having a great time. Thanks!

Joe Strauss: LaRue insists he would have played for only three or four teams this year, that winning is his only goal and that he has enough financial security to avoid unpleasant experiences like what he encountered in Kansas City and Cincinnati. LaRue is a popular presence in the clubhouse and a good guy. He appreciates this opportunity. LaRue also adopted a dog at the recent pet day at Busch Stadium and recently shaved his facial hair, softening the Charles Manson look a bit.

Scottie B: El Diablo, thanks for taking my question...I'm of the belief that we be patient regarding trades. If we jump now we will way overpay. Waiting a few weeks will likely bring about more quantity and quality--leading to am better deal. Again, it's mid-June...and we are a game out. Certainly we have needs but chill folks the deals can come.

Joe Strauss: You speak for many in the front office. The question begs: Can the current mix remain in contention for the next five weeks?

Jeff F: Joe, thank you for the weekly chats and your work covering the Cards. You're a great resource for all the fans. My question is about the PD's recent coverage of Albert Pujols' impending free agency (after the 2011) season. The PD has run 2 columns and a blog post on this topic in the last week. I'm just wondering what the impetus behind this coverage is. Seems like a great issue to cover next offseason, but June? 2 1/2 years before the contract expires? Just seems awfully strange...more like columnists stirring up controversy. I know they're not you're stories, but I'm wondering if there is something that spurred this sudden hailstorm. Thank you for your time.

Joe Strauss: It's a valid question. If the Cardinals were to revisit El Hombre's contract, next winter would be the logical time to do so. The team's recent offensive struggles have re-raised the issue of protection for Pujols, who said this spring that he would weigh his future with the club based on competitiveness over dollars. It's fairly evident El Hombre has been on an island much of this season and has heard contradictory comments about the club's desire to acquire help. Albert's contract makes for good "prevocative" talk radio. Bernie and Burwell host sports talk shows. Go figure.

MagnoliaCardFan: Joe,

Noting the improvement of Brendan Ryan and Tyler Greene, does the front office feel that we have a good trading chip with one of these two? And do you think they would use it?

Thank you.

Joe Strauss: It doesn't matter what the Cardinals front office thinks. Ryan or Greene is a trading chip only if they're coveted by other teams. So far, neither has proven himself as a major-league hitter. That hurts their value.

Gary Schmidt: Hi Joe,
Why do you think the Cubs will win 90 games this year? They are not as good of a team as last season. Losing De Rosa and adding Miles and Bradley were huge mistakes, Dempster was in a contract year last season and has never been a starter 2 years in a row, Harden is hurt too often, Fukudome is regressing again just like last year, Soto is going thru a sophmore jinx, Zambrano is still a headcase, and the list goes on. Now they have 5 more games to play than the Cards because of rainouts. How will they win 90 games?

Joe Strauss: Aramis Ramirez will return. Unless hurt, Zambrano will remain a factor. Harden is an impact pitcher when healthy. Soto has to be better than he has shown. Dempster is solid. Even if Miles and Bradley were mistakes (ample evidence suggests they were), the Cubs play in a flimsy division that is waiting for them find a gear. I put them in the same class as the LA Angels and Minnesota Twins, mediocre-looking clubs with the capacity to run off 8-12 straight wins. The Cardinals have played a very heavy early schedule. The Cubs have played the fewest (60) in the major leagues. It's a fair point. If the Cubs get healthy, they can handle the schedule. If not, it doesn't matter, they won't be good enough. Can they go 60-42? If they're .500 in 20 games the answer becomes no.

redbirdswin: How serious are the Cards in signing Miguel Angel Sano from the Dominican? I know others seem to be in pursuit as well (Pittsburgh, Cleveland, NY Yankees, etc), but what's your feeling on how serious the Cards' pursuit is?

Joe Strauss: Serious enough that the club says a Dominican signing could compromise their ability to sign first-rounder Shelby Miller.

Terry in Dubai: Greetings Chatmeister,

2 questions:

In looking for a 3B, do you think that the FO is only interested in a rental? They have Wallace and Freese, and it would be consistent with their player development policy to avoid a trade-and-sign or a move for a long-term solution. If this is the case, this limits options to the players routinely discussed.

Do you think Schumaker should be part of STL's long-term plans? I do. He is a quality OF and he is most of the way through an amazing transition to 2B. He hits RHP and he is a little better vs LHP than last year. He just looks like a ballplayer out there. Every time a play at 2B requires athleticism, he's there. I don't know about his arbitration status, but I'd be happy to see him signed him for a few years.

Joe Strauss: The rental approach leaves open the possibility of Atkins, Beltre, DeRosa, Branyan, et al. It is tough to project Freese as a long-term solution when he will miss at least the majority of this season following ankle surgery, then arrive at spring training next February as a soon-to-be 27-year-old player with less than two months' major league experience. Wallace is considered the future at the position. Who's in the manager's chair will likely determine when that future arrives. JSL!!! has consistently honked for Schu', even when Baseball America rated hims something like the system's seventh-best OF. But I like him as a platoon OF/leadoff hitter, not an everyday second baseman.

irksomenat: the endless summer ....at 2b

how long do we stick with schu at 2b ? the play there is technically ok - few errors - but not good . The dp grounder to 2b is rarely turned despite the quickness and arm we have at short now. It's the slow start . extra outs are extra outs and i have to believe it hurts our pitching . thurston has been just as productive as skip , looking at rbi and runs (runs produced per AB is a fav stat of mine) and is a much more natural 2bman. t greene has looked pretty good at 3b too . he seems to lack ryan's range at short but has a good , quick first step and a strong overhand throw - both indicative of a more natural 3bman than ss . What are the chances our california manager "goes natural" with our defense this season ?

Joe Strauss: TLR appears "all in" with Schu at second base this season. Next time, try capital letters.

redbirdswin: Is Khalil Greene on his way back to St. Louis as we speak?

Joe Strauss: He's here and scheduled to meet with TLR today. He could be activated before tonight's tilt.

Dick: In an interview with kevin on Monday Mo indicated Mather was headed to the DL and would be done for the year but did not specify the problem. Can you clarify some of the murky water?
Thanks,
Dick

Joe Strauss: You are correct, sir. Organizational buzz is that Mather's wrist continues to be a problem. He returned to the DL earlier this week and, according to org sources, is expected to miss the remainder of the season. No word on whether he will require additional surgery on his left wrist. A tough break.

Max: Hi Joe,
We are all aware of the need for improvement in the cleanup spot. However, the fact that over half of Albert's home runs are solo shots this year made me think...what about signing Placido Polonco in the off season? Yes, I know 2B isn't their most pressing need but adding Polonco would allow Skip to move back to the OF and in turn would improve two spots defensively which helps a pitching staff that pitches to contact. Also, putting Polonco in the 2 hole would allow Rasmus and all his extra base hits to hit lower in the order (5th or 6th) which strengthens 2 spots in the batting order. Oh, and it is said that Polonco and Albert are very close friends...which isn't a bad thing either. Am I nuts or would this make sense?
Thanks,
Max

Joe Strauss: Polanco is in the walk year of a 4-year deal. He turns 34 this October and has shown signs of eroding offensively (.260 BA, .304 OBP, .357 Slg. Pct.). He will face an interesting market this winter. Offensively, I don't see the upgrade over Schumaker while he will almost certainly cost more. Polanco was a popular player here before being dealt in the June 2002 trade for Scott Rolen. It's not preposterous but not likely, either.

Blah: Now that the Cardinals have drafted Shelby Miller, and may have to pay "above slot" to sign him; do you think that the Cardinals interest in some of the higher priced Latin American players will be reduced?

Joe Strauss: No. It may be the reverse. J. Luhnow admitted moments after the selection of Miller that the club may not be able to sign him. Miller is unabashedly anxious to sign. However, if the Cardinals go big in the Dominican, Miller may be presented a deal for little above slot. Let the games begin!!!

NY Card Fan: Mighty Joe,

It's always special when a player makes the All-Star Game when it's being played in his home city. I expect that this year's game is going to be extra special for Albert, and it will be a great opportunity for the fans to go over the top with a display of appreciation for this very special player. I heard that TLR was asked to be one of the coaches, a classy move by Charlie Manuel. Do you know if he has accepted? This will also be a great opportunity for the knowledgeable Cardinal fans to show their appreciation for one of baseball's all-time best managers. I'm also rooting for Yadi, Franklin (1.09 ERA, 15 saves), and perhaps Wainright to get a shot. Franklin would be a great story...a 36 year old making his first All-Star appearance and doing it at his home stadium. Does Franklin have a shot?

Joe Strauss: TLR has accepted and will be formally announced today, I believe. Your point regarding Franklin is an excellent one. If the Cardinals were scoring runs he would be leading the league in saves. As is, he has 15, a 1-0 record and a 1.09 ERA while walking only five in 24.2 innings. If his name was Rivera, he'd be a lock. I'm with you. He's deserving. Chris Carpenter deserves strong consideration as well as the names you mention.

ric: Joe, let’s face it, the Cards are now basically a high 4A team. Thurston at 3rd base, a career minor leaguer. Tyler Green or Brendon Ryan at SS, Rookies (need I say more)? Skip Schumaker at 2nd base, a good outfielder but not that great at 2nd. Pujols, yes the best player in baseball and the only one the fans or team can count on to do anything when trying to score much needed runs. Duncan in left, horrible and looks lost on fly balls coming his way, should be traded to AL to DH but because he’s not hitting untradeable. Ankiel, completely has lost his hitting stroke. Ludwick a one year wonder?!
Yadi, a great defensive weapon but no longer hitting. Carpenter the only reliable starter. Wainwright needs to find his command. Loshe injuries are killing him. Pineiro hot and cold. Wellemeyer basically done after his statement of decreased velocity, but Duncan and Tony will keep sending him out there. Bullpen probably better than average but because the Cards aren’t scoring enough runs

Joe Strauss: Just guessing, ric, but you've probably backed off that February prediction of 100 wins this year, right?

NY Card Fan: Mighty Joe,

NY Card Fan and his young sidekick (my oldest son, age 25), REDBIRDinNY, will be at Citi (Federal Bailout) Field for a couple of Cards-Mets games next week. We love the sarcastic wit and wisdom of JSL!!! and would welcome the chance to say hello at one of the games. We'll even spring for the Coronas. Does the Chatmeister ever meet face-to-face with his adoring fans...or is he just too big to come out in public? No need to worry, we're not like star-crazed whacko groupie stalkers...just normal guys from Westchester who are big-time Cards fans and who really enjoy JSL!!!

Joe Strauss: JSL!!! will not be traveling to NYC for this 4-game set. I will, however, do the 2-game return jaunt to Citi Field Aug. 4-5. The Mets will likely be promoting the arrival of the Big Swell in the weeks leading up to it. Meanwhile, Junior Goold will be on hand for next week's series and should be more than happy to sign a copy of his just-released "10@10: A Compendium". Check it out.

Tom: Dear Chatmeister,

This team continues to baffle me. I can't put determine whether they're the team we saw last night, or the team we saw during their recent skid, or if they're somewhere in between. I keep coming back to the fact that Tony LaRussa is the best (or at least tied for the best) manager in baseball, based on what he's able to do with what he has outside of Pujols, Yadi, Carp, and Waino.

How good could this team be if we had a true cleanup hitter behind Pujols, another starter to round out the staff, and a bullpen LaRussa could trust? Would we be looking at a team like we saw in 2004 or 2005?

Thanks,

tom

Joe Strauss: Let's put it this way: The Cardinals have pitched well enough to be 25-9 when scoring more than three runs. Unfortunately, they have failed to do so 31 times.
Give them four or more runs in just eight more games and percentages say they are leading the NL Central by 4-5 games.

Tackleberry: JSL (Riding the wave of FO criticism)

Hoorah! The offense is fixed!!!!! A little Wed. sarcasm to start my question.

Fans are concerned because the Cards are relying on a lot of relatively inexperienced players who have proven to be slump-prone (if not slump lemmings). But when you look at the organization as a whole, there are a lot of inexperienced players. Luhnow & Mozeliak aren't exactly Billy Beane and Theo Epstein. I say this because, while the orgainzation puts an emphasis on building from within, how do fans know that these two are doing the right things? I feel like the message is "give it time" as if we were dieting and the results were certain to come. There are no guarantees that just because they say "we're developing players" means that they are doing it well. How do we measue this? This organization has an incredible knack for "buying time" for itself with injured players, organizational philosophies, etc.. It is always "too early" for them to quantify results. Geniuses!!!

Joe Strauss: You speak for many who wonder about the franchise's new direction. It is difficult to say when you should realize dividend from greater investment in international scouting and player development. Obviously, many were chagrined when the franchise's talk of greater investment in player development did not include the drafting of Rick Porcello in 2007. Cardinals fans will get a first-hand view of Scott Boras' "once-a-decade" pitcher Thursday at Busch. I believe many would find it easier to embrace the new direction of developing players and addressing current needs didn't appear to be mutually exclusive.

Jerry From Memphis: What is your take on Donovan Solono? He is killing PLC pitchers. I have been able to attend a few games to watch him play and he seems to cover a lot of ground at SS.

Joe Strauss: Solano is 21 and may merit enthusiasm. He was a career .263 hitter before this season but has made good progress since being signed in January 2005 out of Baranquilla, Columbia, home of another former Redbirds shortstop, Edgar Renteria. Solano has little pop (6 doubles, 0 HR, 104 AB) but is hitting .346 while playing credible defense. Solano was a Florida State League All-Star last season but curiously struggled at the plate at Springfield before being bumped to Memphis in May. A RH hitter, Solano has not hit lefthanded pitching well at all but is mashing RHs at a .405 clip at Memphis. He is not a base stealer. He will develop further.

Chocolate Thunder: Joe,
How can you and all the other hard working sports guys in St. Louis sit thru a TLR post game press conference? He is absolutely void of life. Last night I wanted to stick a pencil in each eye while watching, instead I just turned the channel. I'm not looking for an Ozzie Guillen type post game, but show a little life son!

Joe Strauss: TLR looked around Tuesday night, asked about the ChatMeister's whereabouts and was told I was still hacking on my first edition story upstairs. Obviously dispirited, the manager lost much of the afterglow from an 11-2 win. My question: Who can blame him? Problem: TLR is much more animated and engaging off camera than on. If someone paid JSL!!! the rights to televise the daily exchange with us ink-stained wretches, a ratings Tsunami would be born.

Erick in O'Fallon: Hey JSL...
What are or even, do the Cardinals have plans with Josh Kinney? It appears he would add value to the pen over what a Hawksworth or Walters would add.
Thanks

Joe Strauss: Kinney does not fit the "innings" role assigned Hawksworth and Walters. It's a better question whether the Cardinals need two innings guys on the major-league roster.

Brian: Joe,

Do agree that the Cardinals should deal some of their prospects now for the right move? I am referring to Anthony Reyes type guys who once had very high prospect ratings but over time being shipped back and forth from Memphis lost their value?

Thanks,

Brian

Joe Strauss: The minor league system's purpose is to support the major-league club, either through sending up players or by providing ammunition for trades. One can argue that the Cardinals are overvaluing their prospects or that other clubs see nothing special within the system. I have heard both. At some point the franchise must determine who will form its team in 1-3 years and market the rest. If there are those who prefer to hold back 10-11 "prospects," it will be extremely difficult to make a meaningful move with the leftovers. Rankings by "third-party publications" should not be an end to themselves. Sermon over.

Terrapin03: El Diablo -
In past chats you have minimized the chances of a Wellemeyer move to the bullpen based mostly, but not entirely, on his contract. Wellemeyer has shown little progress as his leash grows longer, meanwhile Thompson has proven himself capable in a starting role. Has Wellemeyer's grip on a rotation spot weakened in your mind, or will Tony and Dave continue to trot him out every fifth day barring injury? What are the chances Lohse's return from the DL impacts Wellemeyer's standing?
As always, thanks for your insight!

Joe Strauss: Increasingly likely.

J.T.: Joe,
Thanks so much for the chats! Loved your column with Dewitt this past Sunday. It sure got everyone's attention, didn't it! I see what he was saying really, not going to make a trade right now, nothing is happening, hopefully that will change. However, the way he said things, and the timing was bad for him. I'm neither a Dewitt lover or hater, but this now infamous quote really jumped out at me. "Three million is always our goal —that and to be in the race to the end," Were you in the same room, or was this over the phone? I would love to know what was happening during the (-). Was there an pause where he was thinking "crap...better throw something about winning in there"? Just curious. Sorry for the essay...

Joe Strauss: Are you an Oliver Stone in training? No conspiracy here. BDJ answered the question matter-of-factly during our phone conversation. Agree or disagree with the man, he made himself available. I'm not a mind reader, so I can't speak to his motive.

Sweetness: Since Tony is no stranger putting players at different positions. I would like for you to consider moving Albert to 3rd, BabyDunc to 1st and a outfield of Ank, Colby and Luddy. It would be our best line-up for power and I've seen Tony do stranger things. i think Albert could handle it, he's played the position before and he's a gold glove winner with a lot of pride. He'd make a great 3rd baseman and that's what we need right now.

Joe Strauss: Many believe Albert's right elbow would blow out well before season's end if he transfered to third base. It's not on the table. Fuhgedaboutit.

Jeremy: Hey Joe, tsunami watcher here in Deutschland. I was born and raised in St. Louis, and have been a Cardinals fan for the last 25yrs. Thanks to you and the other great columnists keeping me up to date while I'm out of country. A couple weeks back I was reading a lot about looking at trading for an impact bat at 3rd base, but haven't heard much buzz since. With this trial of Khalil Greene at 3rd, should we have much hope of the front office making a deal for a bat this summer? We have to pounce while the rest of the Central is struggling, don't you think?

Joe Strauss: Achtung!!! The club promised an aggressive search for third base help but the market recently retreated given developments in Cleveland and Seattle. The Oakland A's are asking for virtually the same windfall the Colorado Rockies were seeking for Matt Holliday in November. Few in St. Louis would agree with your sense of urgency. For now, the team's place in the standings allows for a more patient approach.

king: El diablo - do cardinal fans realize that in order to get something of value, we have to give up something of value? If we don't think Lil Dunc or Ankiel are worth keeping, then we're not gonna be able to trade them straight up for an All-Star caliber player. We need to be realistic in our trade expectations. Rant over, thanks for letting me vent.

Joe Strauss: Point well taken.

marcus lifiord: Joe,
If Mr. DeWitt asked you to quit your day job and become the Cardinals Director of Player Personnel, which would you prefer:
Developing pitchers via the Draft/Minors and acquiring core position players via FA
or Developing position players via Draft/Minors and building a pitching staff via FA?
Marcus

Joe Strauss: The two shouldn't be mutually exclusive. However, you have much flexibility when able to develop pitching. Even if they're blocked, which rarely happens, other teams will overpay for projectable pitching. This is no knock on Kyle Lohse. But he won 15 games last season after being a March dumpster dive and was rewarded with a four-year, $41 million contract. That tells you the worth of a pitching pipeline.

azbirdies: I noticed that Walters seems to be working on his sinking fastball. I gather that Duncan is encouraging him to get away from his breaking ball and change up. Is this another Anthony Reyes situation in the making? I seem to remember this kid had great minor league success with his off speed stuff...isn't there some benefit from a team perspective to just maybe have a pitcher or two show a different assortment of pitches versus having everyone show the same assortment. Sorry for the run on sentence, but I am at time puzzled by Duncan's stubborness.

Joe Strauss: Walters doesn't overpower people. He has to develop a pitch that works as a strike. A sinking fastball fits. His pitching style at Memphis did not project to the major leagues because he needs hitters to get themselves out. Even when the Chicago Cubs tried to cooperate at Wrigley in April, Walters' pitch count soared. Sure, there are instances where Big Dunc's philosophy does not jibe with pitchers. More often than not it is a benefit. It's helped guys like Pineiro, Wellemeyer and Suppan revive or jump-start careers. Jason Motte and Chris Perez are also developing. High gas doesn't often translate at this level. Duncan believes very few arms can pitch successfully at this level up in the strike zone.

capitol cardinal: Chatmeister,

Have you seen an abnormal amount of anti-Dewitt mail lately? I know the last interview he did infuriated me and a lot of fans like me. How can you tell the fans and Pujols you are doing nothing when the screaming for a deal is even louder and more desperate?

Joe Strauss: BDJ said it is unlikely an impact move will happen SOON. That's different from saying no move will happen at all.

caross: Caross

Has TLR considered moving Pujols into the fourth position in the line up?

Joe Strauss: No.

jimmybaseball: Why is Troy Glaus so distant? Is there something else more personal going on between him and the FO or Tony. Has anyone actually talked to him or just his trainer? Has he even visited St. Louis? Does he care if he plays this season?

Joe Strauss: Glaus owns a home in St. Louis but has spent the majority of his time in Phoenix. He is one of the few players who makes himself inaccessible to media off the field. It's his right, but it contribute to the fog of doubt regarding his return. Even the front office expressed some frustration regarding a lack of communication with his camp. Glaus is taking care of Glaus right now.

NY Card Fan: Joe,

Sorry to hear that you won't be in the Big Apple next week...maybe we'll catch you in August. We'll keep an eye on Junior Goold and make sure he doesn't get mugged or fleeced in one of the many scams we offer here in NYC. Well pass on the "10@10: A Compendium", however, since I already have "The Best of Gordo" to put me into a deep slumber each night.

Joe Strauss: And all this time I thought Gordo was a cyber-guy.

STLIrish2010: I was just wondering if the FO has openly admitted that making a splashy signing in the Latin American market would compromise their ability to sign Shelby Miller, or if that is an educated guess on your part? I really liked the Miller pick, but if they knew going in that they might not be able to dole out an above-slot signing bonus, why would they risk losing a first round selection (especially if they're intent on building from within)?

Joe Strauss: It's not speculation. It has been stated by several front office types.

Joe Strauss: The clubhouse is ready to open so I must prepare for my principle duties of lurking, interrogating and "stirring it up." We'll return next Wednesday from StraussHaus to discuss pending developments. As always, thanks for the questions and feedback. Rumor has it that the ChatMeister may be making a special co-host appearance on 101.1 FM from 9-12 a.m. Nothing this week but stay tuned. (Radio types apparently will do anything for a ratings spike!!! And how about that Joe Buck on HBO!!!) That's all I've got. You've been great. Don't forget your waiter.